Liverpool have a strong interest in Parma defender Giovanni Leoni as an alternative to Marc Guehi, according to Paul Joyce.
The Reds have had a busy summer transfer window as they look to strengthen Arne Slot's side following their Premier League title win last season, with Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike all arriving in the first-team.
The club are also keen to add a new central defender to the squad too before the September 1st deadline, and with a move for the Crystal Palace star stalling currently, they are also taking a close look at alternative options.
Joyce: Liverpool Have 'Strong Interest' in Leoni
Giovanni Leoni
Leoni, who has been described as 'one of Europe's best young defenders' following his performances for Parma last season, has emerged as a target for Anfield chiefs who are looking to the future of their defence.
However, they face competition from Serie A outfit Inter Milan, who have just hired Leoni's former coach Christian Chivu as their new boss following Simone Inzaghi's move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Liverpool's prime target this summer for the centre-back role was and remains Guehi, but they have so far been reluctant to meet Crystal Palace's asking price as he has entered the final 12 months of his contract.
The Merseyside club are keen to bring in at least one central defender this summer after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the transfer window, while Virgil Van Dijk turned 34 last month and Ibrahima Konate is in the final year of his contract at Anfield too.
The French defender has strong interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, and could follow in Trent Alexander-Arnold's footsteps by leaving on a free transfer if an agreement to extend isn't found.
Guehi's experience and quality are why he is top of their shortlist, but should a deal not materialise before the end of the window then it's possible that the club pivot and make a move for Leoni, should they feel that a move is more plausible.
Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Reportto get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.