Newcastle in London talks today over signing 21-yr-old
Newcastle United and Everton are holding talks in London on Monday over signing Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie, sources have told Football Insider.
The two Premier League clubs have headed to the capital for discussions with the Ecuador international’s representatives.
Leverkusen are reluctant to sell Hincapie, 21, but it is believed he is keen to join a Premier League club.
⚽️🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/YFsQq51l9y
— Piero Hincapie (@pierohincapie) January 10, 2023
A summer move may be more likely for the centre-back, who can also slot in at left-back.
Hincapie is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world and is valued at well in excess of £25million by Leverkusen.
He is also being monitored closely by other Premier League clubs – with Tottenham also linked with his services in recent weeks.
The defender has turned out 18 times for Leverkusen this term – including five appearances in the Champions League.
However, Xabi Alonso’s side sit 12th in the Bundesliga and look unlikely to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition next season.
24-cap star Hincapie also impressed for Ecuador at the World Cup in Qatar, playing 90 minutes in each of their group games.
The youngster joined Leverkusen from Argentinian outfit Club Atletico Talleres in 2021 and is under contract until June 2026.
Mega-rich Newcastle are on the hunt for reinforcements as they prepare for European football next season – following a blistering first half of the 2022-23 campaign.
Meanwhile, 19th-place Everton are desperate to shore up their rearguard after picking up just two points from a possible 21 in their last seven Premier League games.
