The heart of Liverpool’s defence is an area of the pitch that they need to focus on.

Despite their continuous efforts to sign striker Alexander Isak in a potential British record-breaking transfer, the squad’s defensive depth also needs to be looked into.

Liverpool currently have just two senior centre-backs at their disposal in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Jarell Quansah’s permanent departure and Joe Gomez’s inability to stay fit leaves Liverpool worryingly weak in that department.

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Potentially one injury away from a situation Arne Slot will not want to be in.

Liverpool have had their eye on a number of centre-back targets this summer but have prioritized strengthening other areas of the squad first.

Marc Guehi was a name regularly mentioned, but any move for the Crystal Palace captain appears to have taken a back seat for now.

A name that is very much rising to the front of many people’s minds is Parma defender Giovanni Leoni.

The talented 18-year-old was a standout player for the Serie A outfit last campaign, and his performances have not gone unnoticed as he begins to generate serious interest in his services from some of Europe’s top clubs.

According to Tutto Mercato, Parma have rejected a 35million euro bid from Liverpool for Giovanni Leoni.

The Italian club are not budging on their 40million euro valuation of the player as they wish to keep him for at least one more season.

They see it as crucial for the continuation of his development as a player.

As well as Liverpool, Juventus are particularly keen, and the rejection sends a message to the Italian giants, and it now remains to be seen whether they will be able to match Pama’s demands.

It is understood that if Parma were to agree terms with another club, Leoni would be open to making the move.

But, given his young age, he is not yet itching for a move away, and he remains focused on the upcoming season with Parma despite the transfer noise.

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