GIOVANNI LEONI is the 6ft4 giant defender, hailed by Italy legend Andrea Pirlo and wanted by Liverpool.
The 18-year-old Italian centre-back is high on Reds’ transfer list with them on the hunt for a defender this summer.
GettyGiovanni Leoni is on the brink of a Liverpool transfer[/caption]
Leoni plays for Serie A side Parma, who he played 17 times for last season, and has a contract which runs until 2029.
The Reds have reportedly held positive talks with the youngster’s camp.
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This comes as a boost to Liverpool who the are likely to miss out on Marc Guehi this summer, as The Sun exclusively revealed.
6’4 GIANT
Leoni’s height would make him a formidable present on the pitch and the joint-second-tallest player in the Reds’ squad.
He shares the same height as Van Dijk and Rhys Williams, while goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is the tallest at 6’6.
PIRLO PRAISE
Leoni rose through the ranks under Pirlo’s leadership at Sampdoria before his move to Parma.
Pirlo said: “I am very happy for him. We are dealing with a fantastic boy and I was sure he would make it to Serie A. He deserves it.”
And last month, he added: “If someone has doubts about starting him from the first minute, I had none.
“I see him everyday in training. He played as a mature youngster, he will become a strong footballer.”
IDOLISES VIRGIL VAN DIJK
A Liverpool move Leoni would be a dream come true as he would get to play alongside one of his heroes, Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk.
Reds fans will have to look past the fact the Italian youngster is also a big fan of ex-Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, who now plays for Saudi side Al-Fayha.
When asked who he models his game off, Leoni revealed: “I take inspiration from van Dijk and Smalling.”
Smalling helped Roma win the inaugural Europa Conference League before reaching the 2023 Europa League final the following year.
OTHER OPTIONS
Arne Slot’s side have held talks over a £35million move for Eagles skipper Guehi.
However, that falls well below Palace’s valuation of the defender, even though he has just one year remaining on his deal at Selhurst Park.
Even a £45m bid is not considered to be enough by the south Londoners.
Guehi, 25, is yet to be convinced a move to Anfield this summer would be beneficial, given that it is a World Cup year.
The England man is, fitness allowing, all but guaranteed to start every game at Palace and Liverpool cannot offer the same assurance.
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