Liverpool are one of the clubs showing keen interest in signing Italy international Riccardo Calafiori this summer.
The Reds could be looking to sign a new centre-back this summer following the departure of Joel Matip.
Liverpool do have four centre-backs in their ranks, and they are looking at young players who can be an asset for the club for years to come.
Calafiori impressed heavily for Bologna last season and has been one of Italy’s star players in the Euro 2024 Championships.
Serie A giants Juventus are poaching to sign the 22-year-old defender; Bologna prefers to sell him to Premier League clubs than to a direct rival.
According to a report from Sunday Mirror (30 June, page 72), Bologna would encourage a bid from Liverpool and other Premier League clubs for Calafiori.
The Reds will have to pay a premium fee, likely to be upwards of £40 million, as FC Basel are entitled to 40 percent of any sale over £5 million.
Will Liverpool make a move for Calafiori?
The Reds are likely to face competition from Arsenal and Chelsea for the defender. The Gunners have already made an enquiry, but any potential move depends on whether they can offload Jakub Kiwior who is wanted by a host of Italian clubs.
Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, has tracked the defender for a long time, during his previous role at Bournemouth, and he could play an important role in bringing the talented centre-back to Anfield this summer.
The Reds have also shown interest in Lille’s highly-rated young defender, Leny Yoro, and they are ready to make an effort to sign him if his potential move to Real Madrid doesn’t go through.
If Liverpool miss out on Yoro, they must make an effort to sign the Italian defender, who has the potential to become a top-quality centre-back in the future.
