Liverpool's next two transfers after Giovanni Leoni as Arne Slot makes telling gesture

Liverpool could be set to ramp up their summer business over the coming days, having agreed a deal to land Parma defender Giovanni Leoni. The youngster has been on their radar for several weeks and it seems he is finally closing in on a move to Anfield. Arne Slot has been hunting a new centre-back to fill the void left by Jarell Quansah's recent move to Bayer Leverkusen.

A number of big names have been linked with the Reds but they appear to have decided on Leoni, who would arrive as a long-term solution. He boasts plenty of potential at just 18 and has already established himself as a regular for Parma. Last season, he made 17 appearances for the Italian side and chipped in with a goal against Cagliari on only his second league start.

Liverpool have reached a 'full verbal agreement' with Leoni and he wants to join the Reds with immediate effect, according to Sky Germany. While a transfer fee is yet to be decided, negotiations with Parma are said to be at an advanced stage.

When the move goes ahead, Liverpool will be able to switch their focus to the signing of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. He has just entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, meaning the Eagles are under pressure to cash in.

Slot made a telling gesture before the Community Shield last weekend, taking his time to greet the defender in the Wembley tunnel. They were seen chatting moments before kick-off as Palace sprung a surprise by beating Liverpool on penalties.

Steve Parish, the Palace chairman, has already admitted that Guehi will be sold if the right bid comes in. He is said to have a price tag of around £50million but only time will tell if Liverpool are willing to match that figure.

If they do not want to pay up, they could simply wait until next summer and sign the England international on a free transfer. However, this approach would run the risk of another club swooping in and landing Guehi for themselves.

As a result, it would be in Liverpool's best interest to wrap up a deal before the summer window closes at the start of next month.

They have also been tipped to reignite their pursuit of Alexander Isak, who is desperate to leave Newcastle over the coming weeks. He has reportedly informed the Magpies that he will refuse to play for them until a transfer is agreed.

Earlier this month, the Reds tabled a proposal of around £110m but Newcastle were quick to dismiss their advances. It was later reported that a second bid would not be forthcoming, with the Merseyside giants having pulled out of negotiations.

However, there is still a chance that Liverpool could revive their interest in the striker. According to Fabrizio Romano, they will go back in with another bid if there is an indication that Newcastle are open to doing business.

Time is running out for Liverpool to sign both players before the window closes, but those deals will almost certainly be prioritised once Leoni is in the building.

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