Tottenham Hotspur are one of many teams keeping an eye on Piero Hincapie ahead of a potential swoop...

What's the word?

That's according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who delivered an update on the matter after some reports suggested that sporting director Fabio Paratici had contacted the Bayer Leverkusen star's camp over a potential deal.

"I’m aware of speculation involving Piero Hincapie and possible interest from Arsenal and Tottenham, but I don’t have more specific information for the moment," he told Caught Offside.

"Links like this are normal as many clubs are following Hincapie in England, Italy and Spain after his impressive performances in the Bundesliga, but it’s still not something advanced.

"Bayer Leverkusen wanted more than €35-40m [£30-35m] in the summer so it’s not going to be an easy deal in 2023."

Imagine him and Romero

The least of Antonio Conte's concerns will be his backline but for the long-term future, it's not a bad thing for Paratici to be planning for, particularly as he already has signed Cristian Romero permanently and the 24-year-old has been an instant hit.

Clement Lenglet is only on loan from FC Barcelona, whilst Ben Davies - a full-back by trade - isn't getting any younger. Joe Rodon has been out on loan and may struggle to break his way in, with Davinson Sanchez always producing some question marks over his ability.

So, an investment in the 20-year-old gem could be a pretty wise statement from the Italian supremo and just as Romano claims, Hincapie has excelled in Germany since his move from Argentinian side Talleres de Cordoba.

In terms of consistency, only one other central defender has outranked the Ecuador international since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, whilst when he is compared to other centre-backs in Europe, Hincapie ranks within the top 1% for dribbles completed (0.97), the top 4% for pressures (14.30), the 7% for blocks (2.33) and the top 12% for progressive carries (4.43) per 90, via FBref.

This would suggest that he's a more than solid defender and an intelligent one at that, being able to read the opposition efficiently to put them under pressure and act upon their decision-making, as well as being a sound asset on the ball - this, combined with the fact that he's left-footed, must be hugely appealing for Spurs.

Interestingly, the defender - who was described as a "prodigy" by journalist Jose de Jesus Ortiez - has been likened to the aforementioned Romero in terms of statistical profile, so just imagine pairing the two together for many years to come.

It's a scary and exciting prospect at the same time.

Therefore, Paratici and his team must look to seal a move for Hincapie sometime in 2023.

AND in other news, Paratici could finally unearth Conte's "revelation" in Spurs swoop for £26m wing-back...