Liverpool are reportedly hoping to sign 18-year-old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Serie A club Parma before the summer transfer window closes.

According to an update by reputed Italian journalist Orazio Accomando, Liverpool are now hoping to beat Tottenham to the signature of Giovanni Leoni. The Reds are intensifying their efforts to sign the 18-year-old wonderkid.

Leoni is regarded as one of the finest young defenders in Serie A, and he could be a solid long-term acquisition for Liverpool. Apart from his defensive qualities, he is excellent with the ball at his feet, and he would be the ideal fit for Liverpool’s style of football.

Virgil van Dijk is in the twilight stages of his career, and Liverpool need to plan his succession. Signing the Italian defender could prove to be a wise decision. The 18-year-old is regarded as a world-class talent, and he could develop into a key player for the club.

Meanwhile, the opportunity to move to the Premier League will be quite exciting for the player. It would be a huge step up for him, and he would get to test himself at the highest level. Regular football at Liverpool could help him improve further and fulfil his potential.

Liverpool looked quite vulnerable defensively last season, and they were quite mediocre in the Community Shield tie at the back as well. It is an area of the pitch that needs improvement. It will be interesting to see if they can bring in a couple of reliable central defenders before the window closes. The Reds have been quite active in the transfer market so far, and they have brought in impressive signings.

Spurs keen on Leoni as well

Tottenham are keeping tabs on the 18-year-old defender as well. It will be interesting to see if they try and beat Liverpool with an official approach for the teenage sensation. They need to tighten up defensively as well, and signing one of the best young defenders in European football right now would be a wise decision.

Whoever ends up signing the 18-year-old could have a future star on their hands. Meanwhile, the young defender needs to seek regular game time before committing to a transfer. Sitting on the bench at a big club will not benefit him. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool are prepared to provide him with regular opportunities.