Liverpool offered HOPE in deal for 18-year-old prodigy

Liverpool have been tipped to move for a new centre-back this summer. While the focus in recent days has been on Alexander Isak, ongoing issues in the middle of the defensive line could bring forth a move for a new stopper.

Jarell Quansah has been sold to Bayer Leverkusen - and still hasn’t been replaced - while Joe Gomez is once again injured. It means Arne Slot will be heavily reliant on both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate unless movement is made in that sector.

Diogo Jota: Thank you

Liverpool could move for Marc Guehi before the transfer deadline - or else they could opt for a long-term investment in the position.

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Giovanni Leoni was one name linked earlier this summer - although it appeared he was destined to link up with Cristian Chivu at Inter.

Leoni linked with Inter

The former Parma head coach oversaw Leoni’s development last season - and the 18-year-old reportedly sees Inter as the right step for the next phase of his career.

But he won’t wait forever - and it could open the door for Liverpool or one of the other English suitors for Leoni.

Corriere dello Sport is reporting that Inter are struggling to raise the cash required to sign Leoni. Parma value Leoni around the €35m mark and unless Inter complete some major outgoing business they are unlikely to afford him.

Bear in mind the Champions League finalists have also got plans to add Ademola Lookman. Their financial conundrum could open the door for the Reds to make a bid.

Premier League teams can outbid Inter

“Parma’s star player has pledged himself to the Nerazzurri,” the report reads. “And there's no backtracking on that promise, having even agreed to wait for Marotta, Ausilio, and Baccin to raise the necessary funds through transfers.

“And it's clear that the "firepower" available to English clubs is significantly greater than that of Italian clubs. In short, if necessary, they would have no problem putting on the table the €35 million Parma is demanding to let him go.”

Liverpool not giving up

Leoni and his advisors do not want to be stuck in limbo as the season approaches. A stay at Parma hasn’t been ruled out and if Inter don’t stump up the cash soon then he may well be prepared to consider an overseas adventure.

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“There's a sense that Inter is the right place to make the leap,” the report states.

“The wait, however, won't be eternal. In the sense that Leoni and his entourage, at a certain point, expect to receive signals of a certain kind. Otherwise, different evaluations will be triggered.”

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