Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is keen to sign a left-sided centre-back before the transfer window shuts next week.
Joel Matip has entered the final year of his contract, Joe Gomez has been plagued by injuries to leave Ibrahima Konate as Virgil van Dijk’s partner in the heart of defence.
Micky Van de Ven was eyed up before signing for Tottenham, while Levi Colwill was on the Reds’ radar, only for him to sign a new Chelsea deal.
And it is believed that Leverkusen’s Hincapie is now being eyed up by Liverpool, who has been linked with Spurs and West Ham in the past.
The 21-year-old moved to the Bundesliga two years ago and has been a shining light at the back, with Bayer manager Alonso a huge fan of the defender.
The Spaniard, who is a hero at Anfield after his 2005 Champions League final heroics, said: “I think he’s a very modern defender.
“He can play in different positions. He’s served us as a full-back in recent games, but has also been the left centre-back when we’ve played with a back three.
“He’s aggressive, is making better decisions when he has the ball, backs himself more to play diagonal passes and get in behind.
“It motivates me to have a player with his potential and desire because he helps you and you help him. He’s a great player.”
Alonso’s analysis of Hincapie might be the extra oomph that Liverpool need to go ahead and make a bid for the youngster.
The former midfielder was appointed by Bayer Leverkusen last October and made an immediate impact with an expansive style of football that has caught the eye.
Liverpool fans remember Alonso fondly after five years at Anfield from 2004 to 2009, where he helped the club win the Champions League.
Compared to Van Dijk and Konate, Hincapie’s stats hold up as well.
His tackling completion rate was 65.8 per cent of dribblers faced, compared to Van Dijk’s 42.1 per cent and Konate’s 59.3 per cent.
The Ecuadorian also made 1.50 blocks per game compared to Van Dijk’s 0.76 and Konate’s 0.73.
But Hincapie really excelled in progressive ball carries, making 46 last season compared to Van Dijk who made ten and Konate who made seven.
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