Liverpool have reportedly decided against a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie in the upcoming January transfer window.
The 21-year-old has struggled for game time at the German club so far in 2023-24, featuring in just three Bundesliga matches, with all of those appearances coming off the bench.
Hincapie's inability to cement a place in Xabi Alonso's first XI is a stark contrast to last term, when the centre-back started 27 league contests and provided two goal contributions.
The Ecuadorian possesses considerable international experience at a young age, having played for La Tri during three group-stage matches at last year's World Cup in Qatar.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are not likely to make an attempt to sign Hincapie in the January transfer window, despite the club being admirers of the player.
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The centre-back's agent Manuel Sierra recently stated that the Reds were in contention to recruit the 21-year-old during the summer, although Jurgen Klopp's side opted to focus their attention on improving their engine room.
Following the high-profile departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to the riches of the Saudi Pro League, Liverpool splashed out on the signings of midfielders Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.
It is understood that Klopp wanted a left-footed defender to partner Dutchman Virgil van Dijk, however the capture of top-quality midfield players was of more importance ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Hincapie's agent has also claimed that Leverkusen will not part ways with the Ecuadorian for anything less than €50m (£43.25m) - a figure that has supposedly deterred the Reds.
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The report claims that Liverpool have a number of other left-footed centre-back targets ahead of the transfer window opening in the New Year, as the Merseysiders look to achieve a top-four finish.
Klopp's men are currently fourth in the Premier League standings after collecting 17 points from their opening eight contests, with their only loss coming in highly-controversial fashion at Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.
The Reds' journey in the Europa League this campaign has started with back-to-back wins against Austrian outfit LASK and Belgian side Union SG, with the visit of Toulouse set for October 26.
Liverpool return to action after the season's second international break by facing local rivals Everton at Anfield in the Merseyside derby on October 21.
Carter White
