Liverpool bolster defence with Leoni deal before Premier League opener

LIVERPOOL, England :Liverpool manager Arne Slot continued to reinforce his squad on the eve of their Premier League season opener, confirming on Thursday that the club had agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma. 

While no financial details were disclosed, British media reported the fee for the Serie A player at 26 million euros ($30.34 million).

Slot's men kick off the defence of their title when they host Bournemouth on Friday on what is sure to be an emotional night at Anfield following the death of Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother in a car crash in July.

Leoni is expected to have a medical later on Thursday and will immediately join the first team, with the club ruling out any possibility of a loan move. 

The teenager will join Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez - who is a doubt for Friday having recently returned from an Achilles injury - among Slot's centre-back options and shore up a back line that showed frailties during pre-season.

"There are reasons for it," Slot said, citing injuries, mixed lineups, and the integration of new players. "The standard here is 10/10, we are doing everything well but 'well' is not good enough. We have to go a step up.

"Come (Friday) evening against Bournemouth, there are no excuses."

Slot is cautiously optimistic Liverpool can retain their title. 

"The main reason that it's so difficult is because there are so many competitors who can win the league. It's unbelievable if you are able to do it in this league," the Dutchman said. 

"This year will be even harder than before. Every season and pre-season has its challenges. We have lost many starters.

"It's not always yourself but the teams you face. We've lost five to six players who played