Fiorentina have joined the race for Liverpool target Andrea Ranocchia, according to reports.

Liverpool today announced the loan signing of Steven Caulker as a short-term solution to their defensive injury worries.

But in spite of Caulker's arrival from QPR, a permanent deal for Ranocchia would still be attractive to the Anfield outfit to improve their squad depth.

The Italian's departure has been the subject of widespread transfer speculation as the 27-year-old has found himself on the fringes of the Inter Milan team so far this season.

Despite captaining the side in the 2014-15 season, Roberto Mancini has appointed Mauro Icardi to the role and named Ranocchia in his starting line-up only once in Serie A this term.

With 20 caps for Italy and more than 150 for Inter, Ranocchia represents a seriously experienced signing for Liverpool should he become available.

But now they face yet more competition for his signature as Fiorentina, having missed out on Lisandro Lopez, see Ranocchia as the next best thing.

However, with Norwich and Sampdoria already in the running for the player and Mancini claiming the player is happy at Inter, it will take some canny negotiation to lure the player to Anfield.

Source: Express

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