Liverpool are reportedly interested in the signing of Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie in the closing stages of this summer's transfer window.
The 21-year-old played 30 Bundesliga matches for Xabi Alonso's men last term - starting 27 of those - scoring one goal and providing one assist from a centre-back role.
Hincapie represented his nation Ecuador at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, starting all three of his side's group-stage matches against Qatar, Netherlands and Senegal.
Since joining from Argentinian outfit Talleres in the summer of 2021, the defender has made 76 appearances for German side, scoring three goals during his two years at the club.
According to Fijaches, Liverpool are keen on bringing Hincapie to Anfield this summer, with Jurgen Klopp looking to bolster his options at centre-back before the window shuts.
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The report claims that Leverkusen would only sell the Ecuadorian for around €70m (£60m), meaning that the Merseysiders would have to splash out a significant amount of money for his services.
It is understood that Liverpool's initial offer totals around €45m (£38m) - a bid which is expected to be quickly snubbed by the Bundesliga outfit in the coming days.
Having only signed a new deal with Leverkusen back in February, Hincapie is contracted at the BayArena club until 2027, meaning that it would take a massive offer from any potential suitors to see Alonso's men part company with the defender.
Klopp is on the lookout for new defensive options before the window shuts on September 1, and it is believed that the 21-year-old's attributes fit the bill.
Hincapie is left-footed, physical and comfortable in possession - qualities which would allow him to slot in beside Virgil van Dijk in the centre of the backline at Anfield.
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A potential drawback of signing the centre-back this summer is that he is currently sidelined with a broken ankle suffered in June, and he is not expected to be back in action until after the international break.
A separate report from BILD claims that it would take an "immoral" bid from Liverpool to see Leverkusen allow Hincapie to leave in the final week of the transfer window.
Alonso's men started their Bundesliga campaign with a victory against German Super Cup winners RB Leipzig last Saturday, although without the protection from Hincapie, Die Schwarzroten conceded two goals.
Ibrahima Konate is set to partner Van Dijk in the Liverpool defence once again when they face a tough trip to St James' Park to face Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.
Carter White
