Liverpool now following Piero Hincapie after squad spot opened up

Liverpool are monitoring Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie after a spot opened up in their squad for January.

This comes from FussballTransfers. The German outlet claims Liverpool are following Piero Hincapie 'very closely' right now - but they're not alone in that.

West Ham United are doing the same, while the report mentions links to AS Roma and AC Milan. Hincapie, who has a contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2027, is in high demand.

And that's despite the player not actually featuring all that much this season. Hincapie has only started two Bundesliga games and is typically a bench option for Xabi Alonso.

The potential here, though, is huge. Still just 21, Hincapie is a full international and has some very impressive data behind him. He's also capable of playing multiple positions - centre-back, left-back and left-wingback at times this season.

There's also a release clause that stands above £60m - but an eventual fee shouldn't really come close to that.

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Liverpool are in the market for a defender. Joel Matip's knee injury will keep him out all season, meaning the Reds will likely leave him off their squad list after January.

Hincapie could step into that spot. He's not a regular as it is, making a move to Anfield in a similar role quite natural. On top of that, he can cover left-back - that'll be music to Joe Gomez's ears, as he's had to cover that role quite frequently this season. The Ecuadorian would allow Gomez to focus more on centre-back and right-back.

There's quite a lot of sense here, then. Hincapie wouldn't be a star signing but it's arguable that Liverpool don't need one. Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté are more than capable of stepping up into Matip's first-XI role and a squad signing makes sense.

Depending on the price and Leverkusen's desire to sell, Hincapie could be the answer Liverpool are looking for.