Newcastle United are set to be offered the chance to sign Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia this summer, according to the Newcastle Chronicle.
The newspaper report that the representatives of the 29-year-old centre-back are to seek out an opportunity for their client to remain in the Premier League, following a short spell on loan at Hull.
Ranocchia made 16 appearances for the Tigers as they were relegated to the Championship last season, but he faces an uncertain future upon his return to parent club Inter Milan.
The Italy international appears surplus to requirements at the Serie A outfit, and newly-promoted Premier League side Newcastle are to be offered the opportunity to sign him this summer.
Swansea City already hold a long-term interest in the defender, while Greek giants Olympiacos have also shown a keen interest, but Ranocchia’s representatives are set to open the door to a number of possibilities.
The Chronicle report that Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez had previously tried to sign Ranocchia during his tenure as Inter Milan boss, and again when in charge at Italian rivals Napoli.
At San Siro, the Spaniard had recommended the defender as a potential signing, only to be dismissed from his post as manager just days before the transfer was completed.
But despite having made 166 appearances for Inter Milan, he does not appear to have a future at the club ahead of next season.
Therefore, Newcastle, who are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements – in particular a new centre-back – this summer, could emerge as a favourable destination.