Tottenham transfer news: Piero Hincapie 'green light' received as Daniel Levy weighs up £52m decision

Tottenham Hotspur have supposedly been handed encouragement in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, who wants to leave the German giants this summer.

The Lilywhites boast an impeccable defensive record from two Premier League matches under Thomas Frank, keeping back-to-back clean sheets against Burnley and Manchester City so far.

Spurs set a new Premier League record in Saturday's tremendous 2-0 triumph over Pep Guardiola's side at the Etihad, where the effective pairing of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven nullified Erling Haaland and co.

Captain Romero has also just signed a new long-term contract with the Europa League winners, snubbing interest from Atletico Madrid to commit his future to the North London club, while Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai have arrived this summer.

Nevertheless, the Lilywhites are still understood to be monitoring developments surrounding Hincapie's future, and according to Fabrizio Romano, the Ecuador international is indeed keen to leave Erik ten Hag's team in the coming days.

Hincapie 'wants Leverkusen exit' after Tottenham enquiry

Romano adds that Spurs submitted an enquiry for Hincapie a week and a half ago, and numerous Premier League clubs are attentive to the situation after learning of the versatile defender's stance.

Hincapie's Leverkusen contract does not expire until the summer of 2029 - he signed an extension as recently as December - but his terms are understood to include a €60m (£52m) release clause.

The onus is now on Tottenham or another interested party to stump up the full value of that option, but agreeing personal terms with Hincapie should not prove problematic given his desire to explore a new career path.

The 23-year-old was a critical component of Leverkusen's Invincibles squad in the 2023-24 Bundesliga campaign, and he has come up with seven goals and five assists in 166 appearances for Die Werkself in total.

Leverkusen paid just £5.5m to bring Hincapie to the club from Talleres in 2021, and the German powerhouses are now set to bank a significant profit on the adaptable defender.

Why are Spurs pursuing Hincapie transfer?

Hincapie has made a name for himself as the left-sided centre-half in Leverkusen's back three, but the South American is also comfortable as an out-and-out left-back and has even functioned as a wing-back on occasion.

While there is little chance of Van de Ven losing his place in the Tottenham backline, Hincapie would provide genuine competition and cover for the speedy Dutchman while Radu Dragusin is recovering from his devastating ACL injury.

Furthermore, Vuskovic is said to be close to joining Hamburg on loan, while the young Takai is struggling with a foot injury, and the veteran Ben Davies will most likely depart when his contract expires at the end of the season.

At left-back, Destiny Udogie has struggled to stay fit over the past 12 months, and while Djed Spence has held the fort effectively, he is without genuine cover while his Italian counterpart is on the sidelines.

Spurs' pursuit of Hincapie therefore makes complete sense from a depth point of view, although Tottenham supporters may wish to see their side splurge on a new playmaker rather than forking out £50m for a new defender.