Liverpool Transfer News: Reds step up pursuit of £47m-rated Bundesliga star

Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie and may have to fork out £47m to sign the South American this summer. 

Anfield Watch revealed several months ago that Leverkusen rejected Liverpool proposals for Hincapie in the January window, but the Reds are expected to revive their interest in the summer market.

The 22-year-old centre-back, who can also play at left-back, is one of the Bundesliga's most promising young stars and he has helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga title this term.

The 31-cap Ecuador international has made 37 appearances for Die Werkself in all competitions this season and has attracted interest from the Reds following his stellar displays.

PIERO HINCAPIE PRICE TAG REVEALED AMID REDS INTEREST

According to Fichajes (via CaughtOffside), Liverpool are incredibly keen on signing Hincapie at the end of the campaign and are willing to step up their pursuit of the centre-back.

The report suggests that the Reds will have to part ways with €55m (£47m) if they want the Ecuadorian, which would make him the club's second most expensive defender of all time - behind Virgil van Dijk (£75m).

Liverpool may be hesitant to spend such a large sum on Hincapie but their money would likely be safe, with the talented ball-playing defender among the brightest prospects in Europe.

However, with Leverkusen still unbeaten this season and on course for a famous treble, there is no guarantee that Hincapie would want to leave the BayArena this summer, or that he would cost just £47m.

Signing the defender will also depend on Jurgen Klopp's successor - who will almost certainly be Feyenoord coach Arne Slot - and their plans for the current Liverpool squad.