Liverpool have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Parma defender Giovanni Leoni. The 18-year-old joins in a deal worth £26 million, plus add-ons, in a move which takes the club’s summer outlay beyond £300m. Leoni chose a move to Anfield despite interest from top Italian clubs and Premier League rivals.

Giovanni Leoni will be in attendance for Liverpool's Premier League curtain-raiser against Bournemouth; however, the 18-year-old will be forced to wait for his debut. He completed his move from Parma on Friday with the Reds securing his services for £26million.

On the prospect of working with Van Dijk, Leoni said: "For me, he is the best defender in the world and I want to meet him as soon as possible. "His personality is fantastic when he plays, he is so comfortable with the ball and without the ball. He is a leader.