Newcastle would significantly bolster their chances in avoiding an instant return to the Championship with the signing of Andrea Ranocchia this summer.
Sky Italia claim the 21-time Italy international has returned to Inter Milan after failing to keep Hull in the Premier League, but could be set for a move to Watford following Marco Silva’s appointment.
Here, This Is Futbol analyses three ways in which the defender would prove to be a good signing for Newcastle and keep them above a relegation dogfight next season.
Likely to favour a move
Ranocchia is out of favour at the San Siro following his loan, and is now likely to be allowed to leave one of the biggest footballing institutions in Europe this summer. Manager Rafa Benitez is expected to be active in the summer window and will be hoping to secure a number of deals that will strengthen his side in order to keep them in the top tier of English football. In order to complete quick, efficient transactions, Benitez must look to sign players that are allowed to leave and willing to join the Toon – and Ranocchia ticks both boxes.
Permanent partner for Lascelles
Benitez’s undisputed first-choice centre-back is Jamaal Lascelles, who captained the Toon to Championship success this season. However, Benitez has chopped and changed alongside the former Nottingham Forest stopper, with Ciaran Clark, Chancel Mbemba and Grant Hanley all being given a chance. In order to stem the flow of goals next season against the country’s biggest sides, defensive consistency is needed and that means a permanent partner for Lascelles. Signing Ranocchia would provide that, as he offers more quality and reliability than any of the Toon’s other options.
Form while on loan at Hull
The former Sampdoria defender was one of Hull’s most important members in a side that rallied under former boss Silva towards the end of the season. His form at the back alongside the likes of Harry Maguire, Michael Dawson or Curtis Davies saw him shine, as the Tigers almost performed a miracle before succumbing to relegation. Making 16 appearances in all competitions, Ranocchia helped keep four clean sheets and even found the back of the net on two separate occasions against Manchester City and West Ham. That form, if transferred to Tyneside, would be pivotal in the Magpies’ campaign next time round.