Newcastle keen on Ranocchia

Newcastle have been linked with a move for Andrea Ranocchia.

According to a report in The Chronicle the Inter Milan defender will be on the move this summer after his loan deal at Hull expired.

The defender was blameless in Hull’s relegation with his arrival sparking an upturn in form after the club seemed doomed to the drop.

Rafa Benitez tried to sign the former Italian u-21 defender when he was in charge of Napoli with Ranocchia joining Inter within days of Benitez being sacked at the San Siro.

The Newcastle boss is looking to form a new central defensive partnership with Ranocchia’s old school Italian qualities appealing to Benitez.

Swansea have had a long standing interest in the 29-year-old who will be out of contract at the end of this month.

With over 150 Inter appearances including Champions League experience Ranocchia is expected to be quickly fixed up when his Inter deal runs out.