Liverpool interest in Piero Hincapie 'not concrete' as Reds scout 'many' options

Liverpool are not in direct talks over a move for Bayer Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 21-year-old, who currently plays under former Red Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, was one of several defenders linked with Liverpool over the summer.

Jurgen Klopp's side explored options to bring in a young, left-sided centre-back during the transfer window, but ultimately no new signing arrived, with the club instead focussed on the midfield rebuild.

Hincapie's agent, Manuel Sierra, reignited talk of a move with suggestions that there have been conversations with Liverpool ahead of the January window, though Anfield Watch understands his words on YouTube channel Futbol sin Cassette were somewhat misinterpreted.

Transfer reported Romano has since backed this up, insisting that while Hincapie is one of 'many' defenders being scouted by the Reds, nothing is close at this stage.

He told CaughtOffside: "Some Liverpool fans have been asking me about the club’s plans in central defence.

"As there was interest in signing someone in that position during the summer.

"Piero Hincapie is someone who keeps being linked with Liverpool, there’s always this rumour around but at the moment it’s nothing serious or concrete.

"Liverpool have been scouting many centre backs and also Hincapie is among them, but really nothing else. No negotiations, no direct talks at this stage."

During the summer window Anfield Watch reported that Leverkusen expect to sell their Ecuadorian defender to a Premier League for around €50m (£42m) – but not before 2024.

Hincapie has barely featured for Bundesliga-topping Leverkusen so far in 2023/24, having missed the start of the season with an injury.

It is understood that Liverpool's recruitment team will turn to the defence in upcoming windows, having signed four midfielders over the summer.

While a left-sided centre-back has been on the club's agenda for some time, Joel Matip's expiring contract and Ibrahima Konate's injury issues add to the need for further reinforcement.