Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly competing with Atletico Madrid for the services of promising young defender Piero Hincapie.
According to the Daily Express, both sides are interested in the Bayer Leverkusen center-back.
The 20-year-old made his World Cup debut for Ecuador in yesterday’s opener.
He wasn’t really tested by Qatar, as the hosts failed to really play the ball through Ecuador’s energetic midfield.
Hincapie is a left-footed center-back that has already won more than 20 caps despite being just 20 years old.
He typically plays as either the left-sided or central center-back in a back three at the club level.
Hincapie can also play as a left-back and mimics the role Ben Davies currently plays at Tottenham.
The Daily Express report that Hincapie was briefly considered by Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici in the summer.
However, Spurs decided to bring in Clement Lenglet on loan from Barcelona.
Tottenham could now be battling with Atletico to sign Hincapie and may regret not moving for him sooner.
Tottenham battling to sign Hincapie
Hincapie started with a career at Independiente del Valle, the most famous academy in Ecuador.
His career quickly progressed, and just two years after making his professional debut in Ecuador, he was turning out in Germany, via a stint in Argentina.
Currently valued at £34.5m, Arsenal is reportedly also interested in the defender.
Previously described as a ‘really impressive’ defender, Conte could see Hincapie as the future of Tottenham’s defence.
Davies has been solid on the left-hand side for Spurs this season, and at 29 should be at the peak of his powers.
Tottenham battling to sign Hincapie would not only be a sign of their standing in world football but their succession plan for Davies.
The Welshman’s contract runs out in 2025, and by then Hincapie would be more than capable of taking over the left-hand role in Tottenham’s defense.
If the Ecuadorian continues to impress in Qatar, Leverkusen may demand even more money from the 20-year-old.
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