LIVERPOOL, England :Liverpool manager Arne Slot continued to reinforce his squad on the eve of their Premier League season opener, confirming on Thursday that the club had agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma.

While no financial details were disclosed, British media reported the fee for the Serie A player at 26 million euros ($30.34 million).

Slot's men kick off the defence of their title when they host Bournemouth on Friday on what is sure to be an emotional night at Anfield following the death of Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother in a car crash in July.

Leoni is expected to have a medical later on Thursday and will immediately join the first team, with the club ruling out any possibility of a loan move.

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