'I can't concentrate on Euro 2024 because Liverpool transfer target is too damn sexy'

Italian center-back Riccardo Califiori is emerging as one of the stars of the European Championships, amid links to a move to Liverpool but it appears he has a new following of female fans too.

Liverpool needs a central defender with Joel Matip leaving as a free agent, while Virgil van Dijk will be 33 years old next season - perhaps needing a long-term replacement alongside Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and the emerging Jarrell Quansah.

Califiori looks to be a legitimate option, with the 22-year-old star likely to get a move from Torino after his breakout season, having returned to the Serie A before a season in Switzerland with Basel.

READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk comment hit nail on head as Anthony Taylor told he made VAR error by ex-colleague
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Riccardo Calafiori agreement, Arda Guler contact, Nico Williams latest

As a left-sided defender, he certainly fits the bill for the type of player Arne Slot would look to add to his squad this summer. But his other qualities have not gone unnotieced.

Liverpool.com received a brilliant email from a fan of Califiori's, who wrote: "Hi guys, I'm a woman and I love men's football but I cannot focus on these Italy games. The #5 Riccardo Calafiori is too damn sexy. He might be the most handsome footballer that ever stepped on the pitch. Wowza. We need to see more Italian studs like Calafiori in the Premier League!"

But it's not just this individual with the same take, with hundreds agreeing with her sentiments. One fan tweeted: "Riccardo Calafiori. Tall, handsome, left footed. Pls bring him to Liverpool."

Another tweeted: "Interesting tactical observation to note, here, despite Italy’s early blunder - Riccardo Calafiori is without doubt the sexiest man on the planet. What an absolute hunk."

A third wrote: "Italian, tall, long hair, handsome, cb, retro look... Riccardo Califiori," as another said: "Just remembered the handsome devil Riccardo Calafiori faces of against the mystic juju Modric in the battle of the headbands tonight."

The Athletic has reported that Liverpool has already made an inquiry for his services, but is likely to face a battle for his signature - with numerous top European teams likely to be interested.

While being a left-footed central defender, something Liverpool fans have long hoped to see the club bring in, Califiori has also consistently shown his ability to step out of defense with the ball - expertly creating Italy's equalizer against Croatia while carrying the ball 30 yards to move into attack.

Califiori has also shown the ability to play left-back, which could make Kostas Tsimikas expendable - after he made just 13 league appearances last season.