Tottenham should avoid move for linked centre-back Rannochia

Follow us on Google Discover

The Inter Milan centre-back has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. God help them.

Tottenham Hotspur have identified Inter Milan centre-back Andrea Ranocchia as the ideal replacement for the stricken Jan Vertonghen, according to Tuttosport, in a deal that would make Federico Fazio look like the second coming of Ledley King.

Spurs have been in prolific goalscoring form of late but the fact they sit second in the Premier League, seven points behind runaway leaders Chelsea, owes much to their superb defensive record.

In 21 Premier League games, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have only conceded 14 times although losing in-form Belgian Vertonghen for up to ten weeks will surely test Spurs’ strength in depth.

Kevin Wimmer appears to have lost the trust of his manager, playing only three league fixtures, and, although Eric Dier and Ben Davies are more than capable of filling in in a more central defensive role, it’s the often peerless partnership between Vertonghen and compatriot Toby Alderweireld that makes Spurs such a daunting opponent.

However, reports from Tuttosport that Pochettino is interested in making a move for ever-declining Inter defender Ranocchia remain baffling.

After all, there’s a reason he has only been handed five league starts by two different managers this season. Formerly Inter’s captain and the heir apparent to the great Italian centre-halves of yesteryear, a succession of injuries and extraordinary poor form means his reputation has plummeted in his homeland.

A disastrous six-month loan at Sampdoria last season showed just how far he had fallen and although at the age of 28 there is still time for him to find his feet again, the reality appears that he will never be the classy, cultured international most expected.

Calciomercato reported that Watford were also interested while Hull City and West Ham have been linked in some quarters. The fact is, Ranocchia barely appears capable of improving a relegation threatened defence, let alone one fighting for the Champions League.