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West Ham have become the latest team to enter the race for one player Liverpool want to sign this summer.

Liverpool wasted no time getting to work in the early stages of the summer transfer window, swiftly finalising a series of key signings.

The arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong, Armin Pecsi, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and goalkeeper Freddie Woodman were all completed with plenty of time left in the window — a sign of the club’s intent to rebuild and reinforce ahead of the new campaign.

The strategy was clear: address squad depth and refresh areas of the pitch that had become thin or inconsistent in recent seasons.

However, progress understandably slowed for a few weeks following the devastating news of Diogo Jota’s sudden and tragic passing.

Jota’s death left a profound impact on everyone associated with the club.

The Portuguese forward was not only a crucial player on the pitch but also a respected and beloved figure in the dressing room.

His loss paused day-to-day operations, including transfer activity, as players, staff, and the club’s leadership unite in mourning and reflection.

However, Liverpool have now resumed their transfer activity in earnest, with the club once again actively pursuing their wider summer objectives.

With several weeks left until the transfer window closes, efforts to strengthen the squad remain ongoing.

The club have completed the signing of Hugo Ekitike, with more to follow.

One position that remains a priority is central defence.

However, with the Dutchman in his 30s, the club is planning ahead, keen to identify a player who can eventually take up the mantle as the new leader of the defence.

A few names have been linked, including Parma defender Giovanni Leoni.

According to a recent report from Italy, Liverpool are among several top clubs interested in signing the 18-year-old defender.

“The news is that his technical and athletic skills have impressed the scouts of the English champion Liverpool,” the report said.

However, according to the latest report from Italy, Liverpool are not alone in their interest in Leoni, with West Ham the latest Premier League side to join the queue for the 18-year-old Italian.

The report also added that Inter Milan has made the centre-back their priority this summer.

With interest in Giovanni Leoni growing rapidly across Europe, Liverpool will need to act decisively if they are to win the race for his signature.

As competition from both the Premier League and Serie A intensifies, the coming weeks could prove pivotal in determining whether the highly-rated teenager ends up at Anfield or elsewhere.

For Liverpool, securing the right defensive addition remains a crucial step in completing a summer rebuild shaped by ambition.

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