Liverpool have been handed a potential boost in their pursuit of Parma teenager Giovanni Leoni, with reports suggesting Inter Milan have shifted their focus elsewhere. The Reds are in the market for defensive reinforcements following the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, leaving only three senior centre-backs in the squad.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter had a £26 million bid rejected by Parma, who are holding out for a fee closer to £34 million. The Nerazzurri are reportedly unwilling to meet that price and have now opened preliminary talks with Feyenoord's David Hancko and Genoa's Koni De Winter.
The 18-year-old Leoni, an Italian youth international, has been linked with Liverpool in recent weeks. However, the Reds could face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth for his signature.
Liverpool are also reportedly open to signing a young, up-and-coming defender, as evidenced by their previous interest in Leny Yoro and Dean Huijsen, who ultimately joined Manchester United and Real Madrid respectively.
