Inter Probe Liverpool Defender, Keep Lead for Top Target | OneFootball

Inter are plotting to make another run at Giovanni Leoni, whom they chased before Liverpool won the race to sign him from Parma, ahead of a significant overhaul of their defense. Francesco Acerbi, Stefan De Vrij, and Matteo Darmian are all on their way out, La Gazzetta dello Sport relays (via Mediaset).

The young center-back had an unlucky spell at Anfield. He suffered an ACL tear shortly after joining, making just one Carabao Cup appearance. He hasn’t been cleared yet, but he should return on the pitch in the summer.

Inter will test the waters to see if Liverpool will be willing to loan Leoni out, perhaps with an option to buy. However, the Reds spent €31M to acquire him from Parma. The 19-year-old broke out with Sampdoria in Serie B and has 17 top-flight appearances under his belt.

The Nerazzurri are set to onboard multiple pieces and want to maintain their pole position for Tarik Muharemovic, Alfredo Pedullà informs. Their execs furthered the contacts over the weekend, as the Sassuolo star is an absolute priority for them. They are currently ahead of the competition, although the fray is heating up. His valuation is around €30M.

Our Take on Inter, Leoni, and Muharemovic

It’s entirely possible that Liverpool will send the prodigy elsewhere temporarily so he can get back on track after an extended absence, as he’d struggle to have continuity with them. Still, it’d be odd if they let him join a top club and granted a clause to redeem him. He’ll likely head to a smaller side if that’s the direction they’ll choose. The latter has progressively become an increasingly convincing, but also pricey, target through his performances this campaign.