Sources: Liverpool blow as Bayer Leverkusen block Hincapie approach
Bayer Leverkusen have blocked an approach from Liverpool for defender Piero Hincapie, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed the German outfit have told the 21-year-old he is not for sale in the final days of the summer window.
Liverpool are in the market for a new centre-back and admire Hincapie after his impressive form since moving to Europe with Leverkusen in 2021.
The youngster has previously been a top target for both Tottenham and Chelsea.
But a well-placed source has told Football Insider that Xabi Alonso’s side have “no interest” in selling the Ecuador international this summer.
As such, it is believed Liverpool are now ready to pursue alternative targets.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (22 August) that Liverpool are still working on signing a left-sided centre-back before the window shuts and watched Torino’s Per Schuurs in action earlier this week.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp wants cover and competition for Virgil van Dijk, while he is also keen to refresh the central defensive position for the first time since Ibrahima Konate’s arrival.
Hincapie can not only play as a centre-back, but also as a left-back – and did so regularly for Leverkusen last term.
He made 43 appearances across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign, notching one goal and one assist.
The 21-year-old also featured for Ecuador at the World Cup in Qatar as they were eliminated in the group stages.
As well as a centre-back, Liverpool are also pursuing a move for a central midfielder after missing out on Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo to Chelsea.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (25 August) that Liverpool could now return for £30million-rated Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch with a move for Crystal Palace star Cheick Doucoure deemed too expensive.
In other news, Saudi club could pay “astonishing” £600million to sign Mohamed Salah.