Man Utd made last-minute move for £26m Italian star
Manchester United showed late interest in signing Parma wonderkid Giovanni Leoni, according to The Times.
The Red Devils have had a productive summer transfer window, and they have already made an outlay of more than £200 million on four signings.
Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have been added to bolster the attack, while Diego Leon should provide more depth at left wing-back.
A defensive midfielder is the next priority for United, but The Times claim that the club showed late interest in landing Leoni, who is close to joining Liverpool.
The 18-year-old centre-back, who has previously talked about Virgil van Dijk as his inspiration, is closing in on a £26 million move to Arne Slot’s side this summer.
Leoni’s interest suggests Man Utd are eyeing another centre-back
United parted ways with centre-back duo Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans earlier this summer. The latter has since been appointed as the club’s Head of Loans and Pathways following his retirement.
Manager Ruben Amorim probably wants another central defender in the squad as a result. Leoni would have been an ideal fit, considering he is one of the best emerging players in his position.
Unfortunately, the Italian prodigy has verbally agreed to join arch-rivals Liverpool. It appears only a matter of time before the Merseyside outfit make a formal announcement over a transfer.
United’s late pursuit of Leoni suggests that an emerging centre-back could be signed before the deadline. The onus could be on adding depth behind the back three rather than an assured starter.
Jeremy Jacquet is an equally talented centre-back playing for Rennes. The 20-year-old only recently penned a new contract. It remains to be seen whether United make an approach for him.
Article written by Sri Aswin .