Liverpool 'seal verbal agreement' with Giovanni Leoni and just one hurdle remains

Liverpool are on the brink of securing a deal for Parma's young defender, Giovanni Leoni.

It was revealed by Mirror Football on Tuesday that the Reds are keen to sign both Leoni and Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi to strengthen their backline. The £35million departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen has left Arne Slot with a shortage in central defence, with the injured Joe Gomez being the most experienced backup to Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Both Slot and Van Dijk pinpointed the defence as the team's weakest area following their penalty shootout loss to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield. Liverpool have already splashed out over £300m this summer on Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Armin Pesci and Freddie Woodman, but they're not stopping there.

Leoni has impressed Liverpool's scouts during his time at Parma and talks have progressed smoothly since their initial approach. Sky Sports Germany report that a full verbal agreement is now in place between the 18-year-old and the Reds, regarding personal terms.

Liverpool must now negotiate a transfer fee with Parma, but according to talkSPORT, they don't foresee any issues. Despite being under contract with the Italian club until June 2029, Leoni is expected to command a fee of around £30m.

Liverpool's potential new signing comes with a ringing endorsement from Italian football legend Arrigo Sacchi. Writing in La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Sacchi said: "We'll see if the deal goes through, but in any case, I'd say the Reds would be making a great move by signing this young man, whom I followed with interest and curiosity in the second half of last season," adding that he believes the player will be a key figure in Italy's defence for years to come.

Despite only having 17 appearances and one goal for Parma under his belt, all of which were achieved last season, Leoni has represented Italy at under-19 level. Sacchi, who enjoyed successful stints managing AC Milan and Italy, is convinced that Liverpool have bagged themselves a bargain, despite the player's relative lack of experience.

Sacchi defended the player's limited Serie A appearances, saying: "Some, regarding a possible transfer to Liverpool, object that this young man has only made 17 Serie A appearances so far. Aren't those few? No, I reply. Not few, because on those occasions Leoni has demonstrated the qualities needed to go far."

He continued: "If someone is good, if someone has their head in the right place, it's immediately obvious. A person can have 200 Serie A games under their belts and still not possess the qualities Leoni displayed in his first season as an adult. Talent knows no age.

"Let's also give him the opportunity to make mistakes. At eighteen, some mistakes are expected and can be forgiven. And in any case, Leoni won't make many. He's a tough guy who's already learned the fundamental lesson, keep your head down and work hard."