Liverpool learn asking price for Van Dijk replacement

Liverpool will have to face the prospect of replacing Virgil van Dijk sooner or later. The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and so far no breakthrough has been reached over a new deal.

And with the Dutchman’s advancing age, even if he remains at the club beyond the terms of his current contract, he won’t be able to go on forever.

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Club bosses including sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot are conducting their due diligence on potential candidates to come to Anfield to replace Van Dijk.

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This week several names have been mentioned - including Jorrel Hato, Nico Schlotterbeck and Ronald Araujo. Indeed the Uruguayan defender who plays for Barcelona was described in one Spanish report as Slot’s choice to fill in for Van Dijk if he leaves.

Piero Hincapie on Liverpool shortlist

Nonetheless one name who’s been on Liverpool’s list for a long time is Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie. The Ecuadorian was a double winner last season for Xabi Alonso’s all-conquering unit and is capable of playing centre-back or left-back.

The 23-year-old is also versatile enough to play in a back three and has even been fielded as a wing-back by Alonso this season.

Hincapie however has been put forward as a candidate to be SOLD by his club this summer.

And, according to renowned German journalist Christian Falk, the towering stopper is again on the shortlist of the Reds. Moreover, Falk has also revealed just how much it will cost for Hincapie to come in as a Van Dijk replacement.

Hincapie will cost €70m

“Piero Hincapie is on the list of FC Liverpool,” Falk told Caught Offside. “The defender of Bayer Leverkusen has a new contract until 2029 so he is very expensive.

“Leverkusen has called €70 million (£59m) for the centre-back if somebody wants to buy him.

“Chelsea, Atletico and Tottenham are also interested in the player.”

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Hincapie recently renewed his contract at the BayArena, meaning his employers are quite well protected on the transfer fee. Liverpool have certainly got other irons in the fire and it remains to be seen if they will be tempted at that price.