Liverpool have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Parma defender Giovanni Leoni. The 18-year-old joins in a deal worth £26 million, plus add-ons, in a move which takes the club’s summer outlay beyond £300m. Leoni chose a move to Anfield despite interest from top Italian clubs and Premier League rivals.

Liverpool have signed 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma in a deal worth 26 million, but he will have to wait for his debut after missing the Bournemouth game.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi's move to Anfield could be the ultimate bargain if Liverpool play the waiting game.

CLUBS are splashing MAJOR cash this summer as they look to bolster their squads in the transfer window ahead of the new season! SunSport can EXCLUSIVELY reveal that Bournemouth are lining up a

Leoni's rise has been stratospheric, and he is part of a growing trend of Italian talent seeking fortune and improvement in England

Liverpool have been looking for reinforcements in central defence since selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen last month, and although Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi remains very much in their sights, Leoni would provide extra cover in an area where the Reds are potentially light.