According to Mundo Deportivo, Celtic are joining Europe’s elite in the race to sign Talleres defender Piero Hincapie.
Hincapie, 19, is currently turning out for Ecuador at Copa America, and his performances are attracting huge interest.
The teenager only joined Talleres from Independiente del Valle in August 2020, but could already be on the move this summer.
Celtic’s pursuit of Hincapie
Celtic are named as just one of the clubs pursuing Hincapie, but they will have to fend off Europe’s elite given that Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are all keen.
Real Betis, Newcastle United, Lens and AS Roma are also thought to be interested in Hincapie. Left-footed centre backs are in demand in the modern game, hence the huge list of clubs chasing the Ecuadorian.
It’s stated that Talleres want €10million (£8.6million) for Hincapie because they only own half of his rights – and that fee could be a problem for Celtic.
Celtic’s defensive youth movement
Celtic chasing a deal for Hincapie adds to the rumours suggesting that the Bhoys are keen to land a number of young defenders.
Mario Vuskovic and Aaron Hickey are being pursued in an £8million double move, with both players just 19 years old.
The same goes for Hincapie, and whilst that would take Celtic’s defensive influx to a huge £16.6million, it’s clear that the Bhoys need to strengthen at the back.
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