SACCHI: LEONI WOULD BE A GREAT BUY FOR SLOT'S MEN... BUT IT'S A SHAME FOR SERIE A

ITALIAN football legend Arrigo Sacchi has expressed his disappointment at the prospect of teenage centre-back Giovanni Leoni joining Liverpool.

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But the former Italy and AC Milan boss believes the Reds will have acquired a 'real talent' if they can conclude a deal with Parma for the 18-year-old.

Liverpool are ready to step up their interest in Leoni as they look to reconfigure their centre-back options following the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the summer.

Reports in Italy have claimed the defender is open to the move and Parma have made him available for 30million euros (£26m) plus bonuses.

The Reds have been in the market for a young centre-back for several years and have previously been thwarted in their attempts to sign Levi Colwill, Leny Yoro and Dean Huijsen.