Liverpool have reportedly made significant progress in their effort to sign Parma defender Giovanni Leoni.
Despite a number of high-profile additions during the summer transfer window, it is apparent that Liverpool are short of central-defensive options.
With the Premier League champions looking unconvincing during Sunday's Community Shield against Crystal Palace, moving for fresh faces was inevitable.
While it came as no surprise when reports emerged over an effort to sign Palace defender Marc Guehi, moving for Leoni was more unexpected.
Nevertheless, according to Sky Sports News, Liverpool are now far down the line when it comes to signing the 18-year-old.
Giovanni Leoni of Parma during his side's match against Juventus, on April 23, 2025
What would Liverpool pay for Leoni?
The report suggests that the Merseyside giants are in advanced talks with their counterparts at the Serie A outfit.
Liverpool will seemingly pay in the region of £25m and £30m to finalise a deal for the teenager.
Last season, Leoni made a total of 17 appearances in Serie A, most notably during the closing months of the campaign where he featured in wins or draws against the likes of Napoli, Inter Milan, Juventus, Lazio and Fiorentina.
As such, the Italy Under-19s international's stock is considerably on the rise and Liverpool are taking the opportunity to sign him as soon as possible.
Although Leoni will not be signed in time for Friday's Premier League opener against Bournemouth, he seems in line to be available for the trip to Newcastle United on August 25.
Parma defender Giovanni Leoni in May 2025.
Can Leoni expect game time?
While Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are Arne Slot's undisputed first-choice central defenders, Leoni would expect regular action at Anfield.
Even if Guehi joins the starlet at Liverpool, the pair would be used on a frequent basis as Slot attempts to manage targeting silverware in four competitions.
Furthermore, it remains to be seen how Slot will handle Konate's selection if he refuses to extend his contract past 2026.
There had been the possibility of Leoni being loaned back to Parma, but it appears that is unrealistic when Liverpool need strength in depth.
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