Liverpool centre-back opens door to Inter Milan move

Inter Milan are set to rejuvenate their defence during the summer transfer window.

There is considerable doubt over the future of Alessandro Bastoni - linked with Liverpool - while other defenders are approaching the end of their contracts.

We expect to see Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij move on when their deals expire. The Italian giants are set to sit down with their owners next week and draw up a list of targets - with Ibrahima Konate reportedly on the list as a free transfer.

But the Nerazzurri are not going to stop there when it comes to identifying defensive targets who are currently at Liverpool.

Inter coach wants Leoni reunion

Head coach Cristian Chivu was in charge of Parma when Giovanni Leoni made his big breakthrough last season. Leoni, 19, moved to Liverpool for a £26m fee last summer while Chivu ended up getting the job at Inter.

The Serie A side were in the race for Leoni and were left disappointed that he ended up choosing Anfield. Leoni’s time on Merseyside has been a write off thus far - owing to an ACL injury he suffered on debut.

The Italian teenager is currently in rehab following his injury and is expected to join team training before the end of the season.

But Inter’s interest hasn’t gone away - with FCInter1908 now claiming that the club have reached out to Leoni over the possibility of joining them in summer.

Leoni willing to consider Inter move

“Inter has always appreciated and continues to appreciate the former Sampdoria player, even now that he's a Liverpool player,” the report reads.

“A message, as Fcinter1908 learned, was also sent to the player, who is not entirely indifferent to a possible return to Italy, despite knowing he's playing in the best league in the world.”

Leoni will need to manage his recuperation carefully after such a long time out. Perhaps sporting director Richard Hughes will consider a one-year loan deal for Leoni which could help him find his feet for a season away from Anfield.

It would of course be unthinkable for the Premier League champions to give up on Leoni so soon after signing. Let’s see what the player ends up wishing for.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool get GREEN light to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool

👉🏻 Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS belief £52m Liverpool target will agree move