West Bromwich Albion are reportedly very close to landing Inter Milan centre-half Andrea Ranocchia as Tony Pulis takes a huge step in beefing up his backline, following a good season that saw aged legs getting the job done. The Italian international has had a good loan stint with Hull City last season despite failing to save them the relegation, and Pulis thinks he is the ideal fit to execute his plan.
The 29-year-old is expected to join West Bromwich on a two-year deal for a reported £5 million. The player is expected to earn something around the region of £80,000-a-week at Albion, making him one of their highest earners.
The Baggies finished last season with 45 points in the 10th position, which has been the most they have ever collected in top-flight football. Consequently, Pulis has been given the liberties and aids he requires to step up to the next level. After finishing in the top half last season qualifying for the Europa League at least should be their next realistic target for sure and Pulis has grand plans in advancing towards that.
However, the summer started horribly for the Welsh manager as he was forced to sell his trusted skipper Darren Fletcher to Stoke City, as the side was unable to meet his wages. It was soon followed by the departure of long-serving defensive general Jonas Olsson to Swedish side Djurgardens IF as the 34-year-old wanted to spend his last few seasons in his country.
Although landing Ranocchia from Inter Milan was a difficult job with the likes of newly-promoted side Huddersfield Town and Serie A side Genoa keen on landing him, the player was quite determined to return to England after his last season’s stint. Hull’s relegation had killed the chances of making his loan deal permanent and Inter manager Luciano Spalletti had made it clear as soon as he returned to Italy, that he wasn’t in his plans.
An academy product of third-tier side US Arezzo, Ranocchia had to play for sides like Genoa CFC and Bari before Inter bought him back in 2010. He was with the Nerazzurri for five years but failed to impress as such and was sent on further loan stints to Sampdoria and Hull City.
Pulis is left with 29-year-old Jonny Evans and 37-year-old Gareth McAuley at the back, and Ranocchia would bring the much-needed balance. He is most likely to start alongside Evans unless Pulis goes for an ultra-defensive approach with six defenders.
