Riccardo Calafiori agreement 'close' as Liverpool face £40m transfer dilemma

Juventus are reportedly closing in on a deal for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori - who has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool.

The Reds are one of several European sides who have been linked with a swoop for the 22-year-old Italy international, who enjoyed an impressive season in Serie A as Bologna secured Champions League qualification for the first time in their history.

Calafiori's involvement in one of the meanest defences in Europe has led him to become one of the most coveted defenders on the continent this summer as Juventus, Manchester United and Liverpool have all been linked with a swoop for the 22-year-old.

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It appears that it's the 36-time Italian champions that are in pole position to land Calafiori and, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, are close to agreeing a deal in the region of £32m-£43m with Bologna.

The report adds that Bologna, who have already lost manager Thiago Motta to Juventus this month, see Calafiori's departure as a "formality" and have already targeted "several profiles to replace him".

Calafiori is currently on international duty with Italy at this summer's European Championships, starting both of the Azzurri's Group B encounters against Albania and Spain.

As reported by the ECHO this month, Liverpool are determined to sign a centre-back this summer following the departure of Joel Matip and have also been linked with a move for Lille and France under-21 star Leny Yoro.

The Athletic, though, are reporting that Yoro will not move to Anfield this summer and has informed Real Madrid of his desire to join the club. However, Real are yet to agree a deal with Lille.