Report: West Ham now want defender likened to Cristian Romero

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West Ham United want Piero Hincapie with David Moyes seemingly in the market for another defender.

Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie is on the radar at West Ham United according to claims from the Daily Mail.

It’s suggested that West Ham are looking to improve their back line this summer after a testing season.

One option on Moyes’ radar is Hincapie, who has racked up more than 40 appearances for Leverkusen this season.

The 21-year-old has mostly played as a left-sided centre back but has also filled in as a left back at times.

West Ham splashed considerable cash on a left-sided defender last summer as Nayef Aguerd arrived from Rennes.

Aguerd has impressed this season but Moyes now seems keen to add another option with Hincapie on the radar.

It may well be that Moyes sees Hincapie as a long-term replacement for Aaron Cresswell; a player who can play at left back in a four or left-sided centre back in a three.

West Ham may not find this transfer chase particularly easy though with a number of clubs keen on HIncapie.

West Ham United face battle for Piero Hincapie

Hincapie has enjoyed a real rise in recent years having joined Leverkusen from Talleres in 2021.

Considered to be another top Ecuadorian talent just like Moises Caicedo, HIncapie is still a little rash and raw.

That’s ultimately why Hincapie has been compared to Cristian Romero – and that has been shown with 14 bookings and three red cards this season.

There has been real interest though as The Mirror claimed in November that Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have all been chasing Hincapie.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth reported in December that Leverkusen were willing to sell Hincapie for around £26million.

Tuttomercatoweb even suggested that Tottenham did hold talks to sign Hincapie in January before a deal was ruled out.

Leverkusen hiked up their asking price to a staggering £66million according to 90Min and Hincapie then signed a new contract just a fortnight after the January window closed.

If West Ham are going to pull off this transfer swoop, they will need Leverkusen’s asking price to come down and for rival clubs to back away, meaning this one will be tricky for Moyes and co.