TBR Football understands that Piero Hincapie has made it known to Bayer Leverkusen he wants to leave this month.
Bayer Leverkusen are not happy with the defender’s decision, having made it clear to Hincapie and suitors he was not available for sale in July.
Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool all made enquiries earlier this summer and now TBR Football can confirm that all three have been alerted to Hincapie’s stance.
Hincapie’s camp and intermediaries have also been doing work on options and they believe there is genuine interest in the Premier League.
Hincapie started Bayer’s opening game of the season and Erik ten Hag does not want to lose the Ecuadorian, but there is little the club can do given he has a release clause which stands at £52 million.
Sources: Tottenham have made progress in Piero Hincapie talks
Tottenham Hotspur have made progress in recent weeks for Piero Hincapie and Thomas Frank is open to signing another top central defender given they are competing on four fronts this season, sources have told Graeme Bailey, Chief Correspondent at TBR Football.
Chelsea have also held conversations with Enzo Maresca insistent he wants another central defender after losing Levi Colwill until early 2026.
Liverpool, whose prime target remains Marc Guehi, have also been made aware of Hincapie’s situation – as have Arsenal and Manchester City.
The Gunners are in talks to sell Jakub Kiwior and might be in the market for another defender, meanwhile, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake could be sold by City.
Speaking about the defender’s situation, Bailey told TBR Football: “Hincapie is a player who is much coveted around the Premier League – when you talk to scouts about the best young central defenders in Europe – his name comes up all the time.
“Bayer don’t want to sell but they can’t stop him with the clause and whilst just over £50 million is costly at 23, anyone would be getting a huge talent.
“Tottenham at this point are most advanced in their interest, they are pushing and know the player is keen.
“But Chelsea like him too and let’s not forget their fondness for the Ecuadorian market with Caicedo and Paez already onboard.”
Tottenham want Luka Vuskovic sent out on loan
Tottenham are adamant that another central defender is required as they are unconvinced by Radu Dragusin and are open to sending Luka Vuskovic out on loan this summer.
Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Kota Takai are their current defensive options, but Spurs will be wary of last season’s injury concerns.
In the case of Vuskovic, the North London club are keen for him to continue his development following a successful loan spell at Westerlo.