Liverpool have been looking for reinforcements in central defence since selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen last month, and although Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi remains very much in their sights, Leoni would provide extra cover in an area where the Reds are potentially light.

Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma, sources told ESPN. The 18-year-old had attracted interest from Serie A side Inter Milan but has now been given permission to have a medical with Liverpool and will fly to the UK on Thursday ahead of completing a move for an initial fee of £26 million ($35m).

The Athletic previously reported that Liverpool were interested in Leoni and were trying to persuade him to move to Anfield.