Inter pounce on Hancko and De Winter as Liverpool target Leoni – report

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 5:17 AM ET

Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni is Inter’s priority target in defence, but due to his high price tag and a recent interest from Liverpool, the Nerazzurri have opened preliminary talks for David Hancko and Koni De Winter, according to Gazzetta.

Inter are eager to get defensive reinforcements for the 2025-26 campaign, and Gazzetta confirms that Parma’s Leoni is their primary target.

Liverpool target Parma talent Leoni

Inter have a €30m budget for a new centre-back, but according to the pink paper, Parma’s asking price is close to €40m, a fee that Liverpool may be able to afford.

Therefore, the Nerazzurri are also moving for alternative targets.

Gazzetta confirms negotiations between Inter and Genoa for De Winter. The product of the Juventus Academy prefers Serie A to the Premier League, where Tottenham and West Ham have also shown interest. Inter held talks for De Winter during negotiations to sell Valentin Carboni to Genoa.

Inter eye deal for Hancko

The latest centre-back on their agenda is Feyenoord’s Hancko, who previously held talks with Juventus.

Inter need to make room for a new central defender and are also preparing to cash in from sales of ‘second-tier’ players, according to Gazzetta, but are currently unwilling to pay a €500,000 clause to terminate Francesco Acerbi’s contract, which expires in 2026.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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