Liverpool sign teenager Leoni from Parma for £26m

Liverpool have signed 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Italian side Parma for a fee of £26m plus add-ons.

Leoni, who Reds boss Arne Slot confirmed the club had agreed a deal for earlier this week, has signed a contract until 2031.

The Italy Under-19s centre-back began his career at Padova and had a short spell at Sampdoria before joining Parma last summer.

Leoni played 17 games in his first campaign in Serie A last season, attracting interest from both Milan clubs, but has opted for a move abroad.

Liverpool have been looking for reinforcements in central defence since selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen last month, with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi also linked with a move to Anfield.

Leoni's transfer is subject to receiving international clearance and a work permit.