Newcastle United are among the clubs interested in the services of Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
A recent report from Tuttomercatoweb has offered an update on the future of Piero Hincapie. The Bayer Leverkusen defender has become a sought-after prospect in the market with multiple clubs across Europe keen on attaining his services at the end of the season.
While Italian clubs such as AS Roma and Napoli have expressed the desire to sign Hincapie in the summer, they are set to face stiff competition from Newcastle United. The Premier League outfit, who were interested in the 20-year-old last year, are still closely monitoring his progress and could make a move in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Formerly of Independiente, in Colombia, Hincapie has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence since his move to Bayer Leverkusen last summer. He was initially brought in as a youth prospect, but the defender has exceeded all expectations by becoming a first-team regular in his maiden Bundesliga campaign.
A centre-back by trade, the young Ecuadorian has racked up 25 appearances in the league this term. He has impressed the onlookers with his athletic nature and technical prowess. He is quite a competent centre half, who is not shy in getting into challenges and winning the ball for his team.
Although Hincapie might not the tallest players on the pitch, he is exceptionally strong in aerial duels, making him an appealing target for a Newcastle United currently in desperate need of defensive reinforcements.
It appears the Magpies are looking to add more competition for Fabian Schar and Dan Burn next season. They have identified January target Sven Botman as their priority option, with the club even weighing up a fresh move for the LOSC Lille starlet this summer.
The Dutchman could be extremely expensive, though, as he is regarded as one of the best young defenders in world football. It is natural Newcastle won’t be the only suitor for Botman and with that in mind, Newcastle are exploring multiple options in the market, including another Bundesliga defender in Evan Ndicka.
But in Hincapie, Eddie Howe could land himself a young defender who has only shown a fraction of his potential and could become one of the best in Europe in the coming years. In a summer where they are likely to target established individuals, taking the punt on an inexperienced star like Hincapie could pay off in the long run for Newcastle.
