Nottingham Forest are said to be keen on Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
The Reds are yet to make their first summer signing as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. They are targeting reinforcements in a number of areas, including in central defence.
With that in mind, they have reportedly joined the list of Premier League admirers eyeing up Hincapie. They have placed the 21-year-old on their list of potential targets, according to Bola VIP.
But Forest would face stiff competition for the Ecuador international. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have also “set their sights” on securing his signature.
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The price tag placed on Hincapie’s head may also prove to be an obstacle. His club value him at about €40 million (£34m) as their “phone continues to ring” with calls from interested parties, while head coach Xabi Alonso is said to have urged the board not to sell him.
The Reds returned for pre-season this week as they start their preparations for the new term. But they are yet to welcome any new faces to their ranks amid a quiet start to the transfer window.
Boss Steve Cooper does currently have a number of centre-backs on the books. However, decisions will have to be made over at least some of them as Forest look to trim numbers to make way for new arrivals.
Steve Cook has already said a call will need to be made over his future. He was left out of the 25-man squad for the second half of the season and has 12 months to run on his contract.
Jonathan Panzo, who spent last year on loan at Coventry City, is wanted by Rangers. And Loic Mbe Soh could also move on as, like Cook, he has a deal until 2024 and has struggled to force his way into contention at the City Ground.
