Liverpool "not close" to sealing a deal for centre-back Piero Hincapié

Contrary to reports, Liverpool are currently not on the brink of securing a deal for highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapié.

According to FootballTransfers, "nothing has progressed since the summer [window]" despite speculation suggesting that the Reds were in advanced negotiations over the Ecuadorian.

One such report, which came from Ecuadorian outlet Marca90 (via LFC transfer room), had stated that negotiations were currently advanced for the 21-year-old and the deal would cost around £48 million.

However, this appears to be wide of the mark - for the time being at least - although it's no secret that the Reds are in pursuit of a left-sided centre-back.

Highly rated in Germany

Hincapié, who joined Leverkusen in 2021, has impressed for the Bundesliga side as either a left-back or a centre-back.

Having now established himself as part of Leverkusen's three-man defence, Hincapié has been linked with several clubs lately, including Liverpool.

However, it appears that the German giants have no immediate plans to part with the player, neither in the upcoming January transfer window nor in the summer.

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is now the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, is a staunch admirer of the young defender and is not eager to sell him any time soon.

Within the Spaniard's 3-4-3 setup, Hincapié is given freedom to make attacking runs, with Jeremie Frimpong and Mitchel Bakker employed as wing-backs to provide defensive cover when Hincapié ventures forward.

From the same club as Caicedo

Hincapié initially gained attention while playing for Independiente del Valle in the Ecuadorian Serie A, where he coincided with Chelsea's Moisés Caicedo.

Numerous European clubs sent scouts to watch him, and eventually, the defender signed a five-year contract with Die Schwarzroten in 2021.