Liverpool transfers: £35m deal approved by legendary manager - 'I'm convinced'

Iconic Italian manager Arrigo Sacchi has given his seal of approval to Liverpool's move for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni. The 79-year-old has tipped the teenage star to continue his rise if he completes a transfer to Anfield and tipped him to become the future of their national team.

Mirror Football reported on Tuesday that the Reds want to sign Leoni and Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi to bolster their defence. The 18-year-old is expected to cost around £35million despite being a newcomer to first team foootball.

Liverpool have targeted a young defender in recent times as they attempt to have a smooth succession in their backline with the likes of Virgil van Dijk already in his thirties. Lenny Yoro, Jorrel Hato and Dean Huijsen have all previously been linked to the club.

Towering defender Leoni now looks set to be that figure and is highly regarded by one of the most lauded managers in footbal history in Sacchi. And the veteran coach provided an overwhelming enforsement of the player's talents.

Sacchi, who is frustrated to not see a top Italian side make a move for Leoni, believes that the young defender will be a success for Liverpool and Italy. The legendary AC Milan boss is unconcerned by the youngster's lack of first team football.

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"We'll see if the deal goes through, but in any case, I'd say the Reds would be making a great move by signing this young man, whom I followed with interest and curiosity in the second half of last season,' Sacchi wrote in Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"I'm convinced he'll be the lynchpin of the Azzurri defence for a long time.

"Some, regarding a possible transfer to Liverpool, object that this young man has only made 17 Serie A appearances so far. Aren't those few? No, I reply. Not few, because on those occasions Leoni has demonstrated the qualities needed to go far.

"If someone is good, if someone has their head in the right place, it's immediately obvious. A person can have 200 Serie A games under their belts and still not possess the qualities Leoni displayed in his first season as an adult. Talent knows no age.

"Let's also give him the opportunity to make mistakes. At eighteen, some mistakes are expected and can be forgiven. And in any case, Leoni won't make many. He's a tough guy who's already learned the fundamental lesson, keep your head down and work hard."

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