Tottenham have reportedly identified Piero Hincapie as the ideal candidate for their defensive setup, as Bayer Leverkusen is expected to demand a significant fee.

According to Paul O Keefe, Tottenham are prepared to make an approach for Piero Hincapie in the coming period. Spurs have identified the 23-year-old South American as an ideal candidate to improve their defence, with Bayer Leverkusen expected to demand a significant fee to sell the Ecuadorian.

Piero Hincapie was a key part of Xabi Alonso’s project at Bayer Leverkusen, which proved to be a success over two years. The defender has been instrumental at the back, as the German side won the Bundesliga by going an entire season unbeaten.

The 23-year-old South American can play as a centre-back or as a left-back depending on the game state, as he was suitable in Alonso’s back-three system. Tottenham are now keen to explore a move for the Ecuadorian, which might suggest new boss Thomas Frank could potentially switch to his favourable three-man defensive setup.

Tottenham consider Hincapie as the ideal candidate to improve the left side of their defence, despite having Micky van de Ven as their main centre-back on that side. Spurs could see the value in adding the 23-year-old South American, as it allows Frank to switch to a different system depending on the opposition or game state.

Leverkusen are likely to demand a significant fee if they were to sell Hincapie. Spurs are not alone in the race, as Chelsea have identified him as a replacement for Levi Colwill. The Blues could push for a move in the coming period as they are keen to sign a new defender before the transfer deadline, as Spurs will hope to make their move first.

Tottenham planning more transfers

Tottenham have had a mixed window so far, having signed Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha, they have had a few setbacks. The injury to James Maddison has seen them push for Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace despite competition from Arsenal.

There are significant links to Savinho, as talks continue with Manchester City over agreeing a fee for the Brazilian. Frank will hope to add all those players before the transfer deadline, as the manager will aim to have a squad good enough to compete on all fronts.