Fabrizio Romano says Bologna have just changed their plan for Riccardo Calafiori after reported interest from Liverpool

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Riccardo Calafiori has emerged as a transfer target for Liverpool after impressing at Euro 2024.

The Italian defender had an excellent season with Bologna and has continued that form into his showings for Italy.

With Liverpool in search of new defender to add to the first-team squad, they are said to have been closely watching Calafiori.

However, the Reds are far from alone in their interest of the 22-year-old. Calafiori has reportedly given the ‘green light’ to Juventus and the Serie A giants should perhaps be considered favourites at this point.

Back in the Champions League for the first time in decades, Bologna are also understandably keen to keep the centre-back.

Bologna change Riccardo Calafiori plan

Bologna have built something really impressive over the past couple of seasons. With Thiago Motta at the helm they assembled a squad packed full of exciting talent.

After initially being linked with the Liverpool job though, Motta has now jumped ship to join Juventus as their new manager.

Having lost such and exciting young coach, Bologna are now trying to keep his former players at the Renato Dall’Ara.

However, there were already rumblings that the Italian side may have been putting plans in place in the event Calafiori should be sold.

READ MORE: One player Liverpool should look to sign from every single Euro 2024 squad

Last week, there were reports that Bologna want Liverpool centre-back Sepp van den Berg as a like-for-like replacement for the Italy international. That could give the Reds a potential advantage in the race.

And taking to X on Thursday evening, journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Bologna now think it’s ‘impossible’ to keep Calafiori. Their plan has changed.

“After initial plan to keep Riccardo Calafiori, Bologna now feel that will be almost impossible,” says Romano.

“Bologna anticipate big proposals for Calafiori soon,” he adds. “Juventus have player’s green light since May but still no agreement with Bologna. Premier League clubs, now keen.”

Liverpool must make move for Riccardo Calafiori

With Bologna now resigned to losing Calafiori this summer, Liverpool have to step up their interest.

Juventus clearly have a bit of a head start on the former Roma defender, but relations between the Bianconeri and Bologna are said to be tense.

Despite their enormous pull in Italy, it’s probable that Liverpool could outmanoeuvre Juve financially. If they can make a higher offer, perhaps the Reds can take them out of the running.

While Calafiori is away attempting to win back-to-back Euros with his country it’s unlikely that anything will happen.

But the background work has to be getting put in place as we speak. Liverpool must be ready to pounce as soon as the whistle blows on Italy’s Euro 2024 campaign.