Liverpool want to sign 22-year-old Italy star part of Euro 2024 squad as they plot 2 new signings: Reports

Premier League giants Liverpool are reportedly keen on signing Italy's Euro 2024 star Riccardo Calafiori as they look to bolster their backline. As reported by Caught Offside, the Reds have made a five-man shortlist of centre-backs and want to sign two of them.

Calafiori has emerged as one of the defensive targets for the Reds following his exceptional season in Bologna colors. Apart from the Italy international, the quartet of Leny Yoro, Goncalo Inacio, Marc Guehi and Jean-Clair Todibo are being eyed by Liverpool.

Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio is reportedly the priority for the Merseyside giants. The Portugal international has been a long-term target for the club and Liverpool tried to land him in January as well.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who impressed in England's 1-0 win against Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener, is reportedly considered as an alternative. The Merseysiders also admire Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro but the youngster is in high demand.

Riccardo Calafiori is another player Arne Slot's side are understood to be looking at. The 22-year-old starred in Italy's Euro 2024 opener against Albania and helped his side secure a 2-1 win.

Calafiori is a left-footed centre-back who is also equally comfortable at left-back which makes him a manager's dream. The 22-year-old impressed for Bologna last season helping them keep 17 clean sheets in 33 games.

The defender has been capped thrice for Italy so far and started at centre-back for Luciano Spalletti's side in their Euro opener. His solid showing for the Azzurri will certainly take his stocks even higher.

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Jude Bellingham defends England teammate and Liverpool superstar part of the Euro 2024 squad

Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham has defended England teammate and Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold amid criticism from the fans. The Reds vice-captain has always divided opinion during his time at Anfield and the same has been the case at international level.

Alexander-Arnold was given a start by England manager Gareth Southgate against Serbia in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Bellingham. The 25-year-old received plenty of criticism following his display despite England securing a 2-1 win. Jude Bellingham has now defended the Liverpool star saying:

"He makes it so easy for me because he can control the game so well defensively in that position. I know people talk a lot of rubbish but he's so aggressive with that back-to-goal pressure."

Alexander-Arnold lost the ball on 12 occasions against Serbia and his passing was also below-par by his usual standards. The Englishman enjoyed a solid season with Liverpool last time out, scoring thrice and producing nine assists in 37 appearances.