Liverpool have rejected an approach from Juventus for a loan move for teenage defender Giovanni Leoni, who is still working his way back from a serious knee injury. The Serie A side have made enquiries over the past few months and are planning to send scouts to watch the 19-year-old once he returns to action.

Leoni made his one and only senior appearance for the Reds against Southampton more than a year ago, but tore his ACL during that debut. The Italian centre-back has been sidelined ever since, gradually rebuilding his fitness behind the scenes at the club's training ground. He remarked a few weeks ago that he can finally see "light at the end of the tunnel".

Liverpool rule out departure as Leoni rebuilds

Despite the interest from Italy, Liverpool’s leadership has refused to consider letting Leoni leave, insisting he remains part of their long-term defensive plans. The club does not envisage giving the green light for his departure any time soon, with no specified timeframe yet for his expected return to the pitch. His recovery is being managed carefully, with the club's medical staff tracking his progress on the injuries page.

Manager Andoni Iraola will want to assess Leoni's performance upon his return, with a soft relaunch via a domestic cup appearance or brief substitute outings considered likely. The club's stance comes as they prepare for a key home fixture against leaders Manchester City on 11 October, a key match in their season. In the current standings, Liverpool sit sixth in the Premier League with nine points from five games, having scored 12 goals while conceding 8. Their recent form shows four wins and one draw from their last five matches, keeping them unbeaten. The team's overall stats reflect a solid defensive unit that Leoni will hope to rejoin, with Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet forming a key partnership.

Leoni’s potential return adds depth to a defensive axis that is key for the club's ambitions this season. His progress is being monitored closely as Liverpool aim to build on their positive start. The club's firm position shows their commitment to developing academy talent, with Leoni’s future firmly on Merseyside for the foreseeable future. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule, including the Manchester City clash, on the fixtures page.

First reported at Yahoo Sports