Man Utd & Liverpool targeted Giovanni Leoni but the defender is bound for Anfieldplaceholder image
Man Utd & Liverpool targeted Giovanni Leoni but the defender is bound for Anfield | Getty Images
Manchester United showed late interest in signing a Serie A defender who has now reportedly already signed for Liverpool
Manchester United get their Premier League campaign underway on Sunday afternoon as they host Arsenal at Old Trafford.
The test against the Gunners will be a good marker for how Ruben Amorim’s side have improved over the summer. Mikel Arteta’s men have finished second for the last three seasons. The Red Devils ended the last campaign in 15th.
However, a reported price tag of £100m is the biggest stumbling block in a potential deal.
United do need to sell some players before the window shuts in order to balance the books but it has not stopped them advancing with their incoming transfer business.
Man Utd showed late interest in Liverpool-bound Giovanni Leoni
One player the club showed an interest in was Parma centre back Giovanni Leoni. That is according to The Times, who noted: “It is understood that Premier League sides, including Manchester United and Newcastle United, also showed late interest in the player.”
However, that was reported as Liverpool agreed a £26m deal with Parma for the 18-year-old with Serie A sides Inter Milan and AC Milan also keen on the player. United’s interest came too late, with the player bound for Liverpool.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has since reported the player has signed a six-year deal at Anfield having completed the main part of his medical. He said on X: “Giovanni Leoni has completed main part of his medical and signs his contract as new Liverpool player!
“Exclusive detail in addition: contract will be valid until June 2031, six year deal at Liverpool. Official announcement to follow this week.”
Harry Maguire wants to repay supporters this season
Looking ahead to the new season, he said he wanted to repay fans for their backing in a tough 2024-25 campaign.
“I think you realise that when you’re going through bad times. Everyone can be there and celebrating and be loud and proud when things are going well, but our fans last year stuck with us through it all. There were some dark times and some performances that were nowhere near good enough and they were always there.
“A few days after the [Europa League] final, it could have been a real toxic atmosphere. It wasn't. It was the opposite. We got clapped off the pitch when we did the a lap of honour and that's our fans. Now it's on us to go and repay them this season with some special performances and some memories for them to keep and share.”
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