Bayer Leverkusen only want 'immoral' offers for Liverpool-linked defender

The chances of Liverpool signing Piero Hincapie this summer appear slim, with one report insisting Bayer Leverkusen plan to keep their defender until 2024 at least.

The Reds have yet to recruit any new defenders this transfer window, despite reports that Jurgen Klopp would like a new (preferably left-sided) centre back.

It is said that Liverpool's preference is for a younger, project defender who can grow into the team, with Joel Matip likely to leave on a free at the end of his contract next summer.

Anfield Watch reported Liverpool's interest in Levi Colwill earlier this summer, before the England Under-21 star signed a new long-term deal with Chelsea, putting an end to the Reds' hopes of that deal in the short to medium term.

Most other links to defenders have dissipated for various reasons as the summer has worn on – Josko Gvardiol has signed for Manchester City, Micky van de Ven for Tottenham and Goncalo Inacio is set to pen a new contract at Sporting CP.

With little over a week left of the transfer window, Liverpool's chances of getting a new defender through the door appear are diminishing by the hour.

One name more recently linked is 21-year-old Hincapie. The Ecuadorian fits the bill as young, highly rated and left-sided, with various outlets hyping up Liverpool's supposed interest.

However, German outlet Bild have poured cold water on the rumours by writing that "It is currently not to be expected that mega offers will come" for any of Bayer Leverkusen's defenders, with Edmond Tapsoba and Jonathan Tah also regulars in the English transfer gossip columns.

The report adds that Hincapie extended his contract until 2027 as recently as February, with the club planning to keep him until at least 2024. Only an 'immoral offer' would bring Leverkusen to the table.

It's lovely poetic language but what actually constitutes an 'immoral offer'? According to Bild, it would be "in the direction of €70m (£60m)."

In addition – and making a Liverpool bid even more unlikely – Hincapie is currently recovering from a fractured metatarsal and is not expected back in action until late September.

Elsewhere, Bild also report that Leverkusen manager and Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso is still interested in taking academy left back Luke Chambers on loan for the season.