Premier League champions Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Parma defender, Giovanni Leoni.
An agreement was reached late on Wednesday night, and the fee for the 18-year-old defender is £26m plus add-ons.
Leoni now has permission to travel to Liverpool to agree personal terms and undergo a medical, which is expected to begin on Thursday.
Liverpool saw off competition from elite Italian clubs and Premier League sides, with the player adamant his choice was a move to Arne Slot’s side.
Leoni will also immediately join the first-team set-up for this season, with any suggestion of a loan move completely ruled out.
Liverpool were targeting reinforcements at centre-back with Ibrahima Konate entering the final year of his deal at Anfield.
The champions are also in talks for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and are favourites to sign the England international.
Leoni will be the sixth major signing for Arne Slot’s Premier League champions this season, with their business set to come to £321.5m in paid transfer fees so far.