via liverpool .com
While there have been no incoming signings so far this summer at Liverpool, talks around Anfield could be set to ramp up this coming week with the end transfer window drawing closer.
The Reds have been linked with a host of players this summer, with the most notable transfer saga seeing them nearly land Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, only to have the Spaniard spurn their advances to remain in the Basque Country.
However, with the transfer window set to shut next week, something which could prompt plenty of movement in the market. And one player who could be on the move this summer is Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
The 22-year-old played a pivotal part in helping Leverkusen to their unbeaten domestic double last season under former Red Xabi Alonso.
Hincapie who is left-footed, made 43 appearances last term in all competition
And it has been reported Liverpool, and Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, are set to battle it out for the Ecuadorian defender's signature
Diario Expreso reports the two Premier League teams want to bolster their backlines with the signing of Hincapie, with a fee of $66m (£50m/€59m) enough to land him.
Given Tottenham's impressive outlay already this summer, which has seen them land over $100m on Dominic Solanke and Archie Gray alone, spending another $66m on Hincapie would represent some statement.
But it would also raise some questions too. While Hincapie can play left-back too, Spurs already have an excellent left-footed center-back in the form of Micky van de Ven.
They also have Destiny Udogie at left-back, who impressed in the Premier League last term. Would spending $66m on a player who might not necessarily start be a prudent use of their transfer budget? Probably not.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have yet to spend a penny in the transfer market
Center-back looked like a position of strength for the Reds heading into the window, but with Joe Gomez's future uncertain, and with Jarell Quansah unceremoniously subbed at half-time against Ipswich for Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool have some questions of their own to answer at the back.
Additionally, skipper Virgil van Dijk is out of contract next summer. And when all of the above factors are taken into account, it would seem the Reds really could do with bringing in a defender before the end of the window.
Comments