Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie had been tipped for a big-money transfer to Liverpool, but former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso has made his stance clear
Liverpool may be sitting prettily at the top of the Premier League table but there’s work to be done in the January transfer window.
Jurgen Klopp’s side got back to winning ways in the top flight by claiming a much-deserved 2-0 victory away to Burnley on Boxing Day which sent them to the summit – at least until Arsenal host West Ham at the Emirates on Thursday night. Klopp has been delighted with his summer signings, but is well aware that more can be added to boost their chances of regaining the English crown.
Here’s a round-up of the latest transfer news from Anfield.
Alonso to prevent Hincapie move
Former Liverpool midfielder and now Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso won’t let the Reds sign centre-back Piero Hincapie from the German side in January. Despite Klopp pouring cold water on fans’ hopes of a new defender being brought in to cover for the injured Joel Matip, who’ll miss the rest of the campaign after rupturing his ACL, 21-year-old Hincapie had been tipped for a move to Anfield.
Now though, German outlet Kicker report that alongside fellow Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah – who’d been linked with Premier League rivals Chelsea – Alonso won’t allow Hincapie to depart the Bay Arena. The Ecuador international hasn’t been a regular starter for the ex-Liverpool playmaker this season, with Leverkusen superbly still unbeaten at the halfway stage of the campaign, but Hincapie is one of the Bundesliga’s most promising defenders and can function as a left-back.
Piero Hincapie has been linked with Liverpool but is unlikely to join in January
Robinson claims quashed
Liverpool won’t be pursuing a deal for Fulham’s Antonee Robinson in January amid reports that the Reds were preparing to launch an offer. Despite injuries to senior left-backs Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, Klopp is hopeful that Robertson will return by the end of January after having shoulder surgery, while Tsimikas’ absence could last months.
Robinson, 26, was born in Milton Keynes but is a United States international. The Fulham defender spent more than a decade with Everton in his youth before impressing for Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic.
Get involved! Should Liverpool sign a left-back in January? Let us know your verdict in the comments section.
Nino enquiry made
Liverpool have reportedly joined Fulham, Roma and Feyenoord in the race to sign Brazil international centre-back Nino. The 26-year-old, renowned for his confidence on the ball, was part of the Fluminense side which recently won the Copa Libertadores and included another Reds target in highly-rated midfielder Andre.
Nino’s contract expires at the end of 2024 and his release clause is just €7m (£6.1m). Reports from Italy suggest that Liverpool are considering a move after learning of his situation following Matip’s season-ending injury.
