Liverpool interested in January deal for Bundesliga defender

Liverpool are among the sides interested in striking a deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, the player’s agent has confirmed.

Hincapie, 21, has established himself as one of the top young defenders around and has long been followed by Europe’s elite, with Tottenham Hotspur known to have explored a deal for the Ecuador international earlier this year.

Liverpool are keen to find a new centre-back and had shortlisted Hincapie in the summer, only to opt to focus their efforts on rebuilding in midfield instead.

However, Hincapie’s agent has confirmed that the interest remains and Liverpool are exploring a move in January.

“Liverpool were interested in him, but [in the summer] they chose to invest in the midfield,” agent Manuel Sierra told Futbol sin Cassette.

“For January, they are talking like other clubs, it will not be less than €50m.”

90min understands that Leverkusen, who currently sit atop the Bundesliga table, are reluctant to do business over Hincapie while they remain in contention for the title, having already priced clubs out of a move for the 21-year-old in the past.

Leverkusen’s form has attracted interest from a number of clubs across Europe, with centre-back partner Edmond Tapsoba also generating plenty of excitement among scouts.

Tottenham were also keen on Tapsoba during the summer but ended up striking a deal to sign Dutchman Micky van de Ven instead.

As well as the Leverkusen duo, Tottenham and Liverpool could be set to butt heads over another defender, with Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly also interesting the Premier League giants.