'Denials': Sources close to Liverpool say they won't be signing £60m player this summer - journalist
07/04/2024 07:15 AM
Liverpool continue to search for a new left-sided defender after Arne Slot's arrival.
A player in this position is reportedly high on the Dutchman's agenda this summer but the Reds seem no closer to granting his wish.
Riccardo Calafiori was previously on Liverpool's radar but Arsenal and Chelsea look set to battle it out for the Bologna star's signature.
Reports in Italy have even suggested that Arsenal have had a £42 million bid for Calafiori accepted.
Now, as well as the Italian centre-back, sources at Liverpool have seemingly ruled out a move for a left-sided Bundesliga defender.
READ MORE:'Incredible' player still struggling to find a new club after being released by Liverpool
Liverpool play down Piero Hincapie links
Just last month, it was claimed that Liverpool are set to reignite their interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
The 22-year-old was part of Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten Bundesliga-winning side last term and is currently managed by previous Liverpool managerial target Xabi Alonso.
However, Jacobs has told GiveMeSport that sources at Liverpool have denied interest in Hincapie.
“My understanding is that Liverpool are not actively in the race for him at this stage, we’ve heard links with several Premier League clubs, but Liverpool sources downplay the links that are being made between Calafiori and them, so it appears that they have other targets that they are working on," the journalist said.
“That’s the same also for Piero Hincapie as well, who is constantly being linked with Liverpool. But again, there’s denials from sources close to Liverpool that he’s a target they’re looking to pursue, either.”
READ MORE: Liverpool are in direct contact right now to sign 'one of Europe's best talents'
Liverpool yet to make any signings
It's been an unusually slow start to the summer transfer window for Liverpool and that could be partly down to having a new manager in the dugout.
In previous years, the Reds have often conducted their business quickly and with minimal fuss.
However, with Michael Edwards back at the club, you'd imagine that Liverpool will soon ramp up their attempts to bolster Slot's squad.
Euro 2024 and Copa America are also preventing clubs from targeting players at both tournaments, with a host of stars fully focused on international duty at the moment.
As for Hincapie, it's not a huge surprise that Liverpool have cooled their interest in the £60 million-rated defender after he played a reduced role last season.
The Ecuador international managed just 16 starts in the Bundesliga and was largely used as a back-up option under Alonso.
