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Liverpool will have to beat off interest from two Italian clubs if they are to sign Cagliari defender Sebastian Walukiewicz, according to a report.

Despite the returns from injury of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, plus the addition of Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool continue to be linked with defenders for the new season. It was a problematic department for them last season, so they need to ensure they have depth to avoid a similar scenario repeating.

It is unlikely they will sign another world-class star, who may clash with their current options. Instead, they may be looking for a useful option to keep the main men on their toes.

To that end, they have been linked with Walukiewicz in recent weeks. The 21-year-old has completed two seasons in Serie A with Cagliari, for whom he has played 34 times so far.

Although not quite a regular there yet, he has shown his potential and is eyeing a bigger role next season. Cagliari are willing to provide him with that platform, but the plans may change if an offer arrives from elsewhere.

It is unlikely that Liverpool would guarantee him a regular starting spot immediately. But it would also be a difficult move for him to reject if they presented a clear progression path.

Gazzetta Dello Sport report that Liverpool are one of three teams interested in Walukiewicz. The others are Serie A duo, Lazio and Udinese.

Able to play as a centre-back or, less frequently, a holding midfielder, Walukiewicz’s versatility could make him a valuable asset for Liverpool to invest in. At present, though, perhaps staying in Italy seems more likely.

Udinese like to invest in young players and therefore could be the most suitable pathway for him. However, Maurizio Sarri admires him as a potential addition for his Lazio revolution, while Liverpool remain in the hunt.

Previous reports have indicated that Walukiewicz may be available for just £8m this summer, despite three years remaining on his contract.

Liverpool eye another Serie A talent

Meanwhile, another player currently plying their trade in Italy has been linked with Liverpool to strengthen them further forward.

Liverpool and Chelsea have reportedly been set a deadline if they want to beat Leicester to the signing of Euro 2020 winning forward Domenico Berardi.

Serie A outfit Sassuolo have made it clear they will not sell any of their top players, including Berardi, once the new season has started. The 2021-22 campaign gets underway on August 21 when the Neroverdi head to Hellas Verona, having finished eighth in the last two seasons.

A report in the Daily Express claims that Leicester have shown the greatest interest among English clubs in signing Berardi. The attacker hit 17 goals in Serie A last season.

However, Corriere della Sera states that Liverpool remain keen on a move. Meanwhile, further reports in Italy claim that Chelsea are also in the running.

But if the Reds and Blues want to get one over on the Foxes then they will have to act quickly.

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Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali insists they will not sell any of their key players late in August.

“We want to keep Berardi; he’s our top player,” said Carnevali.

“If we receive an important bid, we will discuss about it and take a decision together with the player.

“We’re not selling our stars later in August.”

READ MORE: Prem new boy lays down Van Dijk gauntlet; ‘dreams’ of scoring past Liverpool

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