Liverpool bid launched after Arsenal and Chelsea transfer decision

Italian centre-back Leoni signed for the Reds from Parma last summer in a £26m deal, but has made just one first-team appearance after rupturing his ACL on debut.

Despite his extended absence from the pitch, he remains the envy of some top clubs around Europe, and reports in Italy suggest Juventus are interested in bringing him home.

Juventus are preparing a thorough squad rebuild after a string of subpar finishes in Serie A, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Comeback trail: Giovanni Leoni

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They have set a particular focus on establishing a strong Italian core, reminiscent of the glory days driven by the centre-back pairing of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.

They had initially set their sights on Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori and Chelsea’s Marco Palestra, but both players have been deemed unattainable due to their profile and price tags.

Juventus have now turned to Leoni, though Liverpool are not keen to let him go so soon, given he is only one year into his long-term contract.

The Bianconeri have already made multiple approaches to take him on loan, per Gazzetta’s report, and have not been deterred by repeated rejections and will continue to send scouts to monitor him every week.

Also reported to be among their targets is Brentford’s Michael Kayode.

The 22-year-old Italian, a native of Borgomanero, spent four years in Juventus’ academy as a youngster before taking his first steps in senior football at Gozzano and Fiorentina. He scored on his senior debut for the Italian national team last week.