Liverpool 'in talks' to sign Bayer Leverkusen star as agent reveals minimum asking price

Liverpool are in talks over the January signing of Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie, the player's agent has claimed.

The Ecuador international, who played for his country at the 2022 World Cup, has been a key member of the Leverkusen side under Xabi Alonso since the Spaniard took over.

A versatile defender who can play at centre-back or left-back, one of Hincapie's main attributes is his blistering pace and distribution abilities.

He missed just four Bundesliga games last term - three through suspension - although he has been dealing with injury this term.

The 21-year-old received 13 yellow cards and three red cards in the league last season, with discipline an area of his game that Reds manager Jurgen Klopp may look to improve on should the defender move to Anfield.

And according to his agent Manuel Sierra, Hincapie could become a Liverpool player in January.

Liverpool 'in talks' to sign Piero Hincapie

Speaking to Futbol San Cassette's Joaquin Saavedra (quotes via Bolavip), Sierra explained: "Liverpool were interested in [Hincapie, in the summer], but at that time they chose to invest in the midfield.

"For January they are talking like other clubs. It will not be less than £50 million."

The Reds made four summer signings in midfield as they looked to address the position following a host of planned and unexpected departures.

Supporters have expressed their concern over a lack of depth in the centre-back position, although young defender Jarell Quansah has stepped up into a first team role this term after spending the second half of last season on loan at League One Bristol Rovers.

Reds fans may recognise Sierra as the agent of fellow Ecuadorian Moises Caicedo - a player that Liverpool, of course, failed to sign despite having a British record bid accepted by Brighton.

Sierra recently explained that Liverpool offered the midfielder a 'more stable project' than Chelsea, but that the player had a 'dream' to move to Stamford Bridge.

The Reds will hope the same does not happen in talks with Hincapie, and that they can capture the signature of a defender that has improved his game under Reds icon Alonso - a player who the Spaniard describes as 'modern' and 'aggressive'.