TOTTENHAM are keen on signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie after a starring role at the 2022 World Cup.
The left-sided centre-back, 21, has attracted interest from a host of elite clubs worldwide after some standout displays for Ecuador in Qatar.
Spurs are exploring a deal for Hincapie but will be unwilling to match Bayer Leverkusen’s £80million valuation.
Boss Antonio Conte wants a new defender in this window to beef up a struggling defence.
Tottenham’s leaky back-line has shipped 31 goals in only 21 Premier League games.
And Hincapie is high on Conte’s shortlist.
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A summer deal would be more likely for a player who is happy at his current club and still learning his trade.
And Hincapie could reportedly be snapped up for £20m this month before being loaned back to Leverkusen until the end of the season, in a deal similar to that of Pape Matar Sarr.
The presence of Conte and Harry Kane at Tottenham are trump cards for Hincapie.
Spurs have already signed Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal until the end of the season.
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But, their pursuit of top target Pedro Porro is on the verge of falling through.
Tottenham are currently struggling to agree a payment structure with Sporting Lisbon for the defender, who is priced at £40m.
Porro had already agreed to sign a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Lilywhites following the Portuguese League Cup final this weekend.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
