Liverpool sent scouts to assess the performance of Bayer Leverkusen center-back Piero Hincapie over the weekend as Jurgen Klopp seeks to bolster his defensive options, as reported by Rousing The Kop.
Hincapie has been a subject of interest for the Reds since last summer, thanks to his remarkable displays for the Bundesliga side. The defender joined Leverkusen in 2021 from the Argentine club Talleres.
Having played a pivotal role in helping Xabi Alonso’s team reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League, the 22-year-old has earned recognition as one of the most promising defenders globally.
Hincapie’s exceptional form persists as he continues to contribute significantly to Leverkusen’s success, propelling them to the summit of the Bundesliga table with 48 points. They currently hold a seven-point lead over defending champions Bayern Munich, who have played one game less.
“They do want a centre-half, ideally a left sider and there are some good ones out there,” says Graeme Bailey who exclusively told Rousing The Kop.
“That doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t go for a [Ousmane] Diomande or a [Antonio] Silva, but I think the likes of [Goncalo] Inacio and Hincapie would be more of a priority, would be an easier fit.
“We know Liverpool watched Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend. Hincapie had a particularly good game, scoring the winner as well. He is someone that can cover the left side.
“Inacio and Hincapie are the two standouts at the moment, both attainable. They’re the two to watch. They’re relatively, not cheap but Inacio has a clause, I think both are attainable for a price that would be within their realms, in terms of what they’re willing to pay.”
Anfield Watch reports that Bayer Leverkusen have turned down a January transfer proposal for Hincapie from Liverpool, indicating the club’s reluctance to part with the player in the middle of the season.
The agent of the Ecuadorian international, Manuel Sierra confirmed Liverpool’s previous interest in his client during the summer transfer window.
“Liverpool were interested in him [Hincapie], but at that time they chose to invest in the midfield,” Sierra told Bolavip.
“For January they are talking like other clubs, it will not be less than €50 million (£43m).”
In their pursuit of defensive reinforcements, Liverpool have been linked with several players including Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande, Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, Lille’s Leny Yoro, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah, Kevin Mantill from Telleres, and Facundo Gonzalez, who is currently on loan at Sampdoria from Juventus.
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