Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly leading the race ahead of Liverpool to sign Parma defender Giovanni Leoni, as per Caught Offside.

The Lilywhites have only purchased Mohammed Kudus thus far this summer since appointing Thomas Frank as the new manager. Additionally, they have made Mathys Tel’s loan move permanent. They tried to reinforce the CAM position by buying Morgan Gibbs-White, but the move is in major doubt.

Now, it appears the North London club have shifted their focus to strengthening the backline, having struggled with defensive frailties last term, conceding 65 goals in 38 Premier League games.

With Radu Dragusin struggling with a serious knee issue and Cristian Romero linked with a move away, signing a new centre-back would be the right decision.

Caught Offside claim that Tottenham have identified Leoni as a serious target after being impressed by his performances in Serie A last campaign. However, they aren’t the only clubs in this race as Liverpool and Newcastle United are also keen on him.

Leoni to Tottenham

The Lilywhites are looking to step up efforts by launching a formal proposal to seal the deal and are considered the frontrunners to win this race ahead of the Reds. Newcastle are ready to go head-to-head with Spurs over this deal and are also planning to make an official move.

The 18-year-old still has four years left in his current contract, and Parma have no intention of letting him leave for cheap. They want around £26m-£35m.

Liverpool want a new centre-back following Jarell Quansah’s departure, and Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace has been linked with a move to Anfield. But they haven’t stepped up efforts to seal the deal yet, and Leoni is seemingly on their radar as well.

The Italian is a 6ft 5in tall right-footed defender and showcased glimpses of his high potential last term. So, he would be a shrewd acquisition for Liverpool or Tottenham with a view to the long-term future should either club purchase him.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club can eventually manage to secure his service by defeating Arne Slot’s side and Newcastle in this race.

Everton could land the dream signing for Douglas Luiz in £75k-p/w “monster”

Everton are entering a new era. Under the guidance of the Friedkin Group, the club is working quickly to rebuild a squad that has been weakened by years of underinvestment and short-term thinking.

David Moyes has already lost several senior players on free transfers, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Ashley Young, leaving noticeable gaps in experience, quality and leadership.

A new midfielder is top of the agenda.

Idrissa Gueye has extended his contract, but the Toffees are determined to inject fresh quality into the engine room, with the aim of combining technical excellence with defensive steel.

Among the club’s key targets is a player who has already proven himself at Premier League level, someone who can help Everton move the ball with greater speed and purpose.

After a disappointing season in Serie A, Douglas Luiz is open to a return to England, and Juventus are now willing to sell for a fee in the region of €40m £34m).

Despite not registering a goal or assist for the Bianconeri last season, the Brazilian’s final campaign at Aston Villa showed why he remains such a valuable asset.

According to FBref, he averaged 71.27 passes per 90 minutes, maintained a pass completion rate of 85.6%, and produced 3.92 shot-creating actions each game, all elite-level numbers for a central midfielder.

But for Luiz to flourish, Everton must find the right partner – someone who can offer him the defensive backing he enjoyed at Villa.

Everton’s search for a new midfielder

Wilfred Ndidi has long been one of the Premier League’s most effective ball-winners.

Now 27, he is entering the prime of his career and is available at a cut-price fee of just £9m due to a relegation clause in his Leicester City contract.

With two years left on his deal and a base salary of around £75k a week, the Nigerian international represents one of the smartest deals on the market this summer.

According to Ben Jacobs – as he reported late last week – Everton have already made an approach.

Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Real Betis are also circling, while Manchester United have held talks with his representatives. However, their focus has now shifted to securing a new striker following the arrival of Bryan Mbeumo.

The chance is there for the Toffees to pounce…

Why Ndidi would be a perfect partner for Douglas Luiz

Ndidi’s statistical profile is exactly what Everton need.

FBref also reveals he is in the 95th percentile for tackles per 90 (3.29), and 93rd for blocks – clear evidence of his instinctive reading of the game. He ranks in the 97th percentile for clearances and 96th for aerial duels won, offering an extra layer of protection in defensive transitions.

His 4.61 touches per 90 in the defensive penalty area show a calmness and trustworthiness in dangerous zones, while his physicality and stamina make him difficult to bypass.

Players like Tyler Adams (Bournemouth) and Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) are similar, but Ndidi’s experience and proven consistency give him the edge. In contrast to Luiz’s creative flair, Ndidi is a player who thrives on breaking up play and maintaining defensive shape.

Together, they offer balance: Luiz as the deep-lying creator, and Ndidi as the screen who shields the backline.

In Everton’s current setup, which often relies on defensive compactness and quick transitions, their complementary traits would give Moyes tactical flexibility.

Importantly, Ndidi brings Premier League pedigree. With over 150 top-flight appearances and Champions League experience with Genk and Leicester, he wouldn’t need a settling-in period.

Everton’s young squad would benefit from his presence both on and off the pitch, with the Nigerian international already described by ESPN’s Colin Udoh as an “absolute monster” in the middle of the park.