NEWCASTLE had a bid for Giovanni Leoni rejected before he signed for Liverpool, despite offering more money.The Magpies had a difficult transfer window as they were rebuffed by several targets.Newcastle had a bid rejected for Giovanni LeoniGettyGettyEddie Howe’s side had a frustrating transfer window[/caption]Eddie Howe had to wait until deadline day to land two strikers – Yoanne Wissa and Nick Woltenmade – while losing Alexander Isak.Newcastle finally bowed to Liverpool‘s pressure and let him go for £130million.The Reds proved to be foes in the transfer market as they hijacked Toon’s move for Hugo Ekitike.And now Parma CEO Federico Cherubini has revealed they pinched Leoni from the Magpies too, despite offering less money.He said: “We rejected a higher offer from Newcastle for Leoni. But plans have changed with Liverpool.“This because the offer was very attractive and because Giovanni made it clear he was very happy to join Liverpool.”Leoni, 18, moved to Anfield for £26million following an impressive breakout campaign for Parma last season.He won applause from Italy legend Andrea Pirlo, who said of the youngster’s move: “I am very happy for him. We are dealing with a fantastic boy and I was sure he would make it to Serie A. He deserves it.”BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd last month, he added: “If someone has doubts about starting him from the first minute, I had none.“I see him every day in training. He played as a mature youngster, he will become a strong footballer.”