Liverpool sign defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma

Liverpool have taken their summer spending past the £300 million mark after completing the signing of Parma’s 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni on a six-year contract.

The highly-rated Italy Under-19 international will cost an initial £26 million plus add-ons and will go straight into Arne Slot’s squad to fill a gap which has seen the head coach operate in pre-season with just two fit centre-backs after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.

His signing is subject to international clearance and a work permit but he will be at Anfield for the Premier League opener against Bournemouth.

Benvenuto, Giovanni