Liverpool hold a genuine interest in Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni and are exploring a deal to bring the 18-year-old to Anfield this summer.

Leoni enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Serie A last time out, establishing himself as a first-choice starter in the second half of the season and making 17 appearances.

That has attracted interest from Premier League champions Liverpool, who are now assessing the conditions around a deal for this summer.

This Is Anfield understands there is yet to be contact with Leoni’s club Parma, with the first hurdle being to convince the 18-year-old to leave Italy.

However he is a strong contender for a move to Anfield if that is possible, with Arne Slot‘s squad in need of further reinforcement at centre-back.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is another known target and it is feasible that Liverpool look to sign both him and Leoni before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Leoni is a 6’5″ centre-back who is strong in the air and on the ground and possesses excellent recovery pace, along with a maturity beyond his years in his tactical understanding.

Given he is only 18 he could be considered a possible replacement for Jarell Quansah as a long-term project at the back.

Inter Milan, Tottenham and Newcastle have all been credited with an interest in Leoni, who is reported to be valued at around €40 million (£34.5m) – which is manageable for Liverpool but unaffordable for sides in Serie A.

That does lend itself to the idea of Leoni staying with Parma for another season before deciding on a high-profile move elsewhere.

But Liverpool are conducting the background work required to advance on a deal if they are given encouragement from the player’s camp that he would be open to leaving his home country.

Leoni only joined Parma a year ago, signing a three-year deal on making the switch from Sampdoria – shortly after his initial loan spell with the latter was made permanent for €1.5 million.

He is uncapped at senior international level, with his most recent appearance being for Italy’s U19s in a 2-0 win over France in March.