Liverpool ready to agree SENSATIONAL deal for England star | OneFootball

Liverpool last week completed a £26m deal for teenage defender Giovanni Leoni.

The Italian enjoyed a breakout season at Parma in Serie A - competing in 17 top-flight matches - and attracted the attention of teams in Italy as well as the Reds.

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In the end sporting director Richard Hughes managed to finalise a swoop for 6’5 Leoni - paying an initial £26m or thereabouts for one of Europe’s most promising stoppers.

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It remains to be seen just how much senior football Leoni gets through this coming season for the Merseyside club. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are currently the first-choice duo while Joe Gomez is expected to provide cover.

Marc Guehi linked with Liverpool deal

Throwing a youngster into the white hot atmosphere of the Premier League at this stage of his career may well be a risk and that’s why we’ve seen links maintained with other defenders.

Marc Guehi of course appears to be Liverpool’s preferred option. His contract situation plays into Liverpool’s hands - setting them up for potentially a bargain deal this summer or else a free transfer in 2026 when he becomes out of contract.

Liverpool’s recruitment of Leoni will have no major bearing on a deal for Guehi - with the Reds also content to wait until 2026 to get their man.

Guehi situation now DANGEROUS for Palace

That’s according to a new report from Football Insider - which claims the situation is becoming ever more “dangerous” for Crystal Palace over their captain.

“I don’t think that will stop Liverpool pursuing this move for Guehi, but it’s a dangerous one for Palace because Guehi is more than happy to stay and see out his contract, and that might suit Liverpool,” the report from Pete O’Rourke states.

“They can look at it again next summer and take Guehi on a free, and for Guehi himself, it’s a big season ahead – he won’t want to move from Palace if he’s not guaranteed first-team minutes.

“If Palace do drop their price tag, then maybe Liverpool would decide to push through a deal for Guehi.”

© IMAGO - Marc Guehi Liverpool