After October claim of Watford taking ‘first steps’ on signing, his situation gives them a boost

In mid October we covered a claim from Italy that Watford had taken the ‘first steps’ to sign Andrea Ranocchia from Inter Milan.

The Hornets were reported to have contacted the player’s entourage to try and find out about his current situation, and it was claimed they didn’t get the answer they wanted.

Ranocchia was said to be happy in Milan and not considering a move, however, it was made clear Watford would return at a later date, potentially ahead of the January transfer window.

Now would look like a ripe time for that, with TMW reporting there’s been no contact from Inter to renew the player’s contract. That’s a big deal given his current expires at the end of June, making him a free agent.

The player’s wages of €2.4m a year, likely after tax, are said to be a barrier, especially because the defender hasn’t yet been able to get off this bench this season.

TMW state he has ‘a market in England’, suggesting there’d be interest in the country, and that fits in with the earlier Watford claims.

If a reasonable contract could be agreed, and if Watford are looking to release others, than a move for the 30 year old wouldn’t seem so unreasonable.