Liverpool to beat Inter Milan in €40m centre-back deal

Liverpool's approach to the transfer market this window has been a change from the status quo.

The Reds ordinarily back themselves, but it feels as though the club's financial power is at such a level that most other clubs can't compete. Our frugal approach has led to a big spending opportunity.

READ MORE: Diogo Jota - Thank you

One of the squad's recruitment demands is a centre-back and the conditions for a move are specific.

Ever since Jarell Quansah left, there has been a 'homegrown quota' conundrum and solving it will be tricky since any replacement is likely to be Arne Slot's second choice parter for Virgil Van Dijk. But a solution has reportedly opened up and the club faces with a tussle with Inter Milan to secure a deal.

Liverpool have the edge in Leoni talks

The latest solution to the problem caused by Quansah's departure is Giovanni Leoni at Parma - an 18-year-old centre-back talent - and he looks to be on the move this summer for a permanent move.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the asking price is €40m (£34.5m) and Inter Milan are currently only able to sanction €30m for him, which has led to a stall in negotiations, but Liverpool are said to be lurking.

READ MORE: Diogo Jota's legacy is bigger than any of us realised

The report, looked at from the perspective of Inter, says: "Everything is fine, but there are two big problems like this: Parma, which in the face of the Nerazzurri proposal of 30 million [euros], continues to value its defender born in 2006 [at] 40 million euros, a figure that Inter cannot touch.

"And that instead maybe Liverpool will be able to 'write': her is the second problem, because from England it is whispered that the Reds have put the defender in their shortlist. And if that were the case, it all becomes all the more logical to look around."

As such, the current circumstances suggest that Liverpool have the advantage and that is huge, because if Leoni's potential comes to fruition, then £34.5m will be a steal in the current market.

The Italian has already started to break through and impress in Serie A and given his age, that is an impressive showcase of talent. You've got to have something about you if you can hold your own.

Furthermore, while he isn't English, he would qualify has a homegrown player if the Reds bought him this summer, because he could spend three seasons in England before he turns 21-years-old, which would be a huge loophole for Liverpool to capitalise on. Quansah's absence would be less significant.

READ MORE: How the gamer celebration became the world's way to honour Diogo Jota

So it will all be about whether Liverpool see him at the top of their shortlist or if other targets are to be prioritised, but a defender is required before the window ends and Leoni could be our solution.

👉 Liverpool have secured ’new’ forward 🔗

👉 Stage is set for €100m superstar to join Liverpool 🔗

👉 Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool have HOPE in chase for goalscorer supreme 🔗

👉 Richard Hughes signed a future Ballon d’Or winner 🔗