West Ham United remain open to move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie
West Ham remain interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, according to Hugh Southon.
The Hammers reporter posted in an update on Claret & Hugh on Saturday (14 October) that any approach made by United will be at the end of the season, rather than in the January window.
The Hammers held a “genuine” interest in signing the Ecuador international in the summer, but no concrete offers were tabled [Ben Jacobs].
Southon states that a combination of Leverkusen being reluctant to sell midway through the season, plus West Ham having no funds available, means a move will not be possible until next summer for a player valued in the region of €35million (£30m).
Feasible
It is no coincidence that West Ham continue to be linked with centre-backs, given the recent speculation regarding Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma.
Harry Maguire’s name refuses to go away, while AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw was this week touted as a possible target [Manuele Baiocchini].
Hincapie is clearly someone that has been on David Moyes’ radar for a while, but any move is likely to depend on a player departing London Stadium first.
The 21-year-old looks a serious talent and will not come cheap as he is under contract with Leverkusen until 2027.
While he has struggled for starts at Leverkusen this season, the fact he can also operate at left-back means his chances will come.
That versatility is no doubt another reason why Moyes is supposedly keen on Hincapie, so this is a move that certainly appears feasible down the line.
In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the Hammers’ interest in another player.