---
title: "Hammers facing battle to sign Ranocchia"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2017/01/13/hammers-facing-battle-sign-ranocchia/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ryan Darby"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2017-01-13T16:08:37Z"
modified: "2017-01-13T16:08:37Z"
---

# Hammers facing battle to sign Ranocchia

West Ham are facing competition from Serie A side, Bologna, as well as Watford and Swansea for Inter Milan defender, Andrea Ranocchia.

Reports from Italian outlet, [Tuttosport](https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/calciomercato/2017/01/13-19926113/inter_ranocchia_vuole_la_premier_c_il_west_ham/) claim that the defender is no longer needed in Milan under their new boss Stefano Pioli.

The Hammers have reportedly made an enquiry for the defender but former Azzurri boss Roberto Donadoni is now looking to keep Ranocchia in Italy.

After failing to live up to expectation at the San Siro, Ranocchia is now being tipped to move on, with the Premier League a highly likely destination.

West Ham are in the market to strengthen their squad after a disappointing start to the season, as they find themselves closer to the relegation zone than the European spots.

The 28-year-old has been at Inter Milan since 2011 but spent last season on loan at fellow Serie A side, Sampdoria.

He has been capped by Italy 21 times and a move away could be the catalyst to breaking back into the national team squad.