CHELSEA are reportedly monitoring Piero Hincapie ahead of a potential January transfer.
Hincapie, 20, has been putting in some starring performances for Ecuador at the World Cup in Qatar.
The left-footed Bayer Leverkusen centre-back has been linked with moves to a number of top teams.
According to the Mirror, The Blues have sent their scouts to watch the defender as Todd Boehly plots a defensive reshuffle of personnel at Stamford Bridge which could begin as early as January.
Hincapie is one of the hottest prospects in the Bundesliga after strong displays since moving to Germany.
He started his career with homeland side Independiente before moving over to Argentine club Talleres.
He then made the jump to European Football by joining Leverkusen in 2021.
Since his transfer he has made 51 appearances for the club, including 40 in the Bundesliga.
Their pursuit of Hincapie comes with the defensive woes the team have suffered this year and with the knowledge of two of their veteran defenders are approaching retirement.
Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta share a combined age of 71 years old.
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Silva, who is starring for Brazil as they face Switzerland, remains a top player and Azpilicueta has been a diligent servant at Stamford Bridge for many years.
However, owner Boehly is actively taking steps to build a team for the future.
A deal for France midfielder Christopher Nkunku is also moving closer to completion while a move for RB Leipzig Josko Gvardiol is being lined up.
