Piero Hincapie: Chelsea Make First Move to Sign Ecuador World Cup Star

• Chelsea are reportedly keen to add Ecuador's young defender Piero Hincapie to their ranks ahead of the January transfer window
• Hincapie has been impressive since he joined Bayer Leverkusen 18 months ago and has carried on with the form at the ongoing World Cup in Qatar
• The 20-year-old was rock solid for Ecuador during their World Cup opener against hosts Qatar, silencing them 2-0 in the tournament's curtain-raiser
• Hincapie has been touted as a possible replacement for the ageing Thiago Silva, who is in the final months of his Chelsea contract

Chelsea have reportedly drafted an elaborate plan to land Ecuador World Cup star Piero Hincapie during the upcoming January transfer window.

The Blues are currently rebuilding under new boss Graham Potter, who took charge at the club back in September following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel.

Defence is understood to be among the key areas Chelsea are desperate to strengthen, especially after the exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

Chelsea now facing Lukaku headache as striker is ruled out of Belgium’s opening 2 games

Football

And with both Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva coming of age, Blues chiefs understand the need to bolster their backline is even dier.

According to Mirror UK, Ecuador's Hincapie has been shortlisted as the ideal replacement for Silva on the left of their heart of the defence.

The publication claims that Chelsea scouts have been keeping tabs on the young defender at the World Cup and contend he can be a good fit at Stamford Bridge.

The young defender is currently plying his trade in the Bundesliga with German giants Bayer Leverkusen.

Hincapie is widely regarded as one of the best central defensive prospects in Europe, with his rise to prominence at Leverkusen raising his stake significantly.

It is believed that he has already courted interest from a number of clubs, with Chelsea's London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham said to be monitoring his progress.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid respond after being offered chance to re-sign Man United star

Football

Leverkusen's failure to qualify for the knockout round of the Champions League is expected to give the 20-year-old the perfect opportunity to explore a move away in January.

Chelsea closing in on Nkunku

Sports Brief also reported on Chelsea’s high interest in RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, despite the fact that the Frenchman faces an uncertain period away from football action through injury.

Nkunku has reportedly already agreed to personal terms with the West London club, who are ready to trigger the 24-year-old’s release clause of £53 million.

Reports that Nkunku could move to Chelsea initially emerged in October, at a time when he had just signed a contract extension with the Bundesliga club.