Liverpool sign defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma

Arne Slot has strengthened in defence. Pic: Nick Potts/PA

Liverpool have taken their summer spending past the £300million mark after completing the signing of Parma’s 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni on a six-year contract.

The highly-rated Italy U19 international will cost an initial £26million plus add-ons and will go straight into Arne Slot’s squad to fill a gap which has seen the head coach operate in pre-season with just two fit centre-backs after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.