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Exclusive: Liverpool considering Charlie Cresswell move as Giovanni Leoni urged to stay in Italy

Exclusive with Graeme Bailey.

Liverpool have not ruled out a move to sign Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell, Rousing The Kop understands.

The Reds are on the lookout for a young defender after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.

And having explored a great many options so far this summer, RTK understands that Cresswell remains in the running for Liverpool.

The 22-year-old starred next to Quansah as England won the European Under 21 Championship this summer, with the Reds keeping an eye on his progress at the tournament.

Cresswell also performed well during his debut season in Ligue 1, having joined from Leeds United last summer.

Charlie Cresswell of England looks on as he lines up on the pitch for the national anthem prior to the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Final match between England and Germany at National Football stadium

Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Liverpool still considering other centre-back options

Although fans may be growing twitchy at Liverpool’s lack of business in defensive additions so far this summer, RTK understands they are virtually certain to make a signing by the end of August.

The recruitment team at Anfield are taking their time to assess all options available to them, safe in the knowledge that they will secure at least one.

While Cresswell has emerged as a player of interest to Liverpool, he is far from being the only one in the running.

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RTK have been told that Liverpool are attentive to the situation of Jeremy Jacquet, who Arsenal are also keeping a very close eye on.

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Jacquet is seen as one of the best young defenders in France, and so is naturally on the Reds’ radar, but Rennes are understood to be keen on keeping the 20-year-old this summer.

Two other names under consideration at Liverpool are understood to be Konstantinos Koulierakis of Wolfsburg and Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez.

Giovanni Leoni urged to stay in Italy

Another player who Liverpool are keeping tabs on is Parma defender Giovanni Leoni.

However, sources have informed RTK that Leoni is more likely to stay in Italy as things stand.

The 18-year-old is in contention to play for the national team ahead of next summer’s World Cup, and Italy manager Genaro Gattuso is understood to have urged Leoni that his best chance of inclusion is to stay in Serie A.

A permanent signing followed by a loan move back to Italy is understood to be an option, but Liverpool are not currently entertaining such an arrangement.

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