Everton and Newcastle are battling for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

Football Insider says Everton have held talks over the potential signing of Hincapie.

The 21-year-old centre-back joined the Bundesliga side in 2021 and has made a positive impression in Germany since his arrival. Part of the Ecuador side at the World Cup in Qatar, Hincapie further raised his reputation during this tournament.

Both the Blues and Newcastle were yesterday 'holding talks' in London for discussions with the player's representatives.

The article adds Leverkusen are reluctant to sell the defender, whose valuation is in excess of £25million.