Inter and Juventus ready to move for Giovanni Leoni if Liverpool opportunities disappear

Inter Milan and Juventus are reportedly monitoring Giovanni Leoni as the Liverpool defender prepares to return from a serious knee injury.

Liverpool invested almost €35million including bonuses to sign the highly-rated Italian centre-back from Parma last year.

Leoni initially made an encouraging impression at Anfield and appeared to be forcing his way into Arne Slot’s rotation before suffering a partial anterior cruciate ligament tear during a cup appearance.

A year later, the 20-year-old is finally approaching his return. However, Liverpool’s defensive situation has changed considerably during his absence.

Andoni Iraola has replaced Slot as Liverpool manager, while the arrival and rapid development of Jérémy Jacquet has increased competition at centre-back.

Jacquet has impressed alongside Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool and has also established himself with the France national team.

That leaves Leoni facing an important few months.

Liverpool still regard the Italian as a major prospect, but after such a long absence, regular minutes could be crucial to getting his development back on track.

The question is whether Iraola can provide them.

According to The Sun, both Inter and Juventus are keeping a close eye on Leoni ahead of the January transfer window.

The Serie A giants could offer the defender an opportunity to return to Italy if he struggles for regular football at Liverpool.

An initial loan move in January is presented as a possibility, although both clubs are also looking further ahead.

Inter and Juventus want to strengthen their defensive options with a young centre-back next summer, and Leoni could become an attractive target if he returns to the level he showed at Parma.

Much will therefore depend on what happens after Leoni is cleared to return.

Liverpool paid a significant fee because they believed the youngster could develop into a major first-team player, meaning they are unlikely to make any long-term judgement before seeing how he performs after his injury.

But with Jacquet and Van Dijk currently ahead of him, Leoni will need to quickly prove he deserves a place in Iraola’s plans.

If those opportunities do not arrive, Inter and Juventus are ready to offer him another route.

Leoni’s priority will be completing his recovery and forcing his way into Iraola’s Liverpool rotation.

The period between his return and January could determine whether Liverpool keep him for the remainder of the campaign or consider a temporary move to secure regular football.

Inter and Juventus are waiting to see how that situation develops, with both clubs potentially viewing Leoni as more than simply a short-term loan opportunity if he successfully returns to his pre-injury level.