Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly shortlisted Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia to replace the injured Jan Vertonghen.
According to Pietro Lazzerini of the Evening Standard, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are looking to sign Inter Milian defender Andrea Ranocchia. The player is valued at £5 million by Inter’s sporting director Piero Ausilio.
It is understood that the Italian could be willing to let go of the 28-year-old on loan in January with an option to buy at the end of the season. The defender has fallen down the pecking order at San Siro and has been restricted to just five appearances in the league this term.
Ranocchia was linked with a move to Liverpool in September as Jurgen Klopp was unhappy with his side’s defence. With the player likely to depart in January, the German could swoop in with an offer for the player’s services.
The player’s representatives TMP Soccer have been in England looking for a suitable destination for the wantaway Inter defender. West Ham United and Hull City are two clubs that have been linked with his services. However, after signing Jose Fonte from Southampton, the Hammers are unlikely to pursue another centre-back signing in January.
The latest reports are now suggesting that Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is looking at the Italian as a possible replacement to the injured Jan Vertonghen. The defender damaged his ankle ligament in Tottenham’s 4-0 drubbing of West Brom and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
According to the Guardian, the Belgian underwent scans on the injury and the tests revealed that there was a tear lying between grade two and grade three. This saw the player tearing up due to the excruciating pain, and is likely to be a huge miss for the North London outfit.
Vertonghen’s defensive partner Toby Alderweireld was also withdrawn during the draw at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City, but Pochettino gave positive news on the injury and the Belgian is likely to be named in the starting eleven for Spurs’ next league game.
After their transition to a back three, results have dramatically improved for Spurs. Due to their change in system, centre-backs have now become key for Pochettinho. Kevin Wimmer has been in the side when any defender has missed out but the Austrian has failed to win the confidence of the manager.
Wimmer was deployed as a left-sided central defender against Manchester City and did not have the best of days. He was deservedly withdrawn at half-time with Son Heung-min joining the fray as Pochettino reverted to a more natural back-four.
Thus, Ranocchia’s experience in the Italian top flight could see him bolster Spurs’ title credentials. The 28-year-old has a fair share of experience playing in a back three and could become a key ball playing defender for Pochettino’s side this season. At £5 million, he is a reasonably cheaper alternative to most centre-backs available in the month of January.
