Liverpool appear to be closing in on one of Italy’s most exciting young defenders, as Giovanni Leoni has reportedly accepted personal terms with the Premier League giants, according to several top-tier Italian outlets.

The highly rated 17-year-old centre-back from Parma had been on the radar of both AC Milan and Inter Milan throughout the summer. However, once Liverpool entered the race, the two Serie A heavyweights backed off—impressed but seemingly outpaced by the Reds’ swift approach.

While personal terms with Leoni have been agreed, a full transfer is still some way off. Parma have yet to enter formal negotiations with Liverpool, and the Italian club are reportedly holding firm on a €40 million valuation for their defensive prodigy.

Liverpool’s strategy, according to sources, is to ease that figure by proposing a compromise: Leoni would officially sign for the Reds but remain at Parma on loan for the 2025/26 season, continuing his development with regular first-team football in Serie A.