Liverpool have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Parma defender Giovanni Leoni. The 18-year-old joins in a deal worth £26 million, plus add-ons, in a move which takes the club’s summer outlay beyond £300m. Leoni chose a move to Anfield despite interest from top Italian clubs and Premier League rivals.

New Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni says it is "crazy" and he is "honoured" after completing his move from Parma. The 18-year-old has signed a six-year contract with the club for £26m, plus add-ons.

Newcastle and Eddie Howe have been snubbed by yet another player this summer as their transfer window shows no signs of getting any better.

Liverpool have signed 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma in a deal worth 26 million, but he will have to wait for his debut after missing the Bournemouth game.

Giovanni Leoni has passed his Liverpool medical tests and is ready to complete his transfer for €31m plus €4m add-ons and a 10 per cent cut of the sell-on from Parma.The central defender flew out

Liverpool have been looking for reinforcements in central defence since selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen last month, and although Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi remains very much in their sights, Leoni would provide extra cover in an area where the Reds are potentially light.