Liverpool are intensifying efforts to strengthen their back line, with moves in motion for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and Parma prodigy Giovanni Leoni.
Arne Slot’s Premier League champions have made central defence a priority following Jarell Quansah’s departure to Bayer Leverkusen and Joe Gomez’s Achilles injury.
With Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté the only fit senior centre-backs for Sunday’s Community Shield defeat, reinforcements are being fast-tracked before the September 1 deadline.
Guehi, 24, has entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park and has shown no interest in signing an extension. Palace are prepared to sell this summer to avoid losing him for free, with Liverpool aiming to negotiate the £40 million asking price down.
Talks underway between Liverpool and Palace for Guehi. Deal could potentially be around £30 million to £35 million including add ons.
Alongside Guehi, Liverpool are weighing up a bid for 18-year-old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni, who is regarded internally as one of Europe’s top young centre-backs.
No direct contact has yet been made with Parma, but the Serie A side are believed to value him at around €30m (£26m) plus bonuses. Inter Milan remain keen, but Leoni is reportedly open to an Anfield switch.
Signing Leoni this summer would see him qualify as homegrown when he turns 21, ensuring no impact on squad registration rules.
Liverpool’s summer rebuild has already seen over £270m spent, offset by roughly £170m in sales, but Slot and the recruitment team appear determined to add at least one, and possibly two, centre-backs before the window closes.
With the season opener looming and defensive depth a pressing concern, Liverpool’s next move could prove decisive in shaping their title defence and Champions League campaign.
