Tottenham are interested in signing defender Andrea Ranocchia, reports talkSPORT.

Andre Villas-Boas is keen to bring the Italian to the Premier League, despite interest from Zenit St. Petersburg and current club Inter Milan.

Spurs already have four centre-backs at White Hart Lane in Steven Caulker, Younes Kaboul, Jan Vertonghen and Michael Dawson. But AVB is still eager to add the 25-year-old to his squad this summer.

The Italian started 32 league matches for Inter last season, as the club slumped to 9th place in the Serie A table. This poor finish has sparked rumours of Ranocchia wanting to leave the San Siro.

Ranocchia played in both matches against Tottenham in the Europa League last season, playing the full 90 minutes at White Hart Lane, before coming off the bench during extra time in the second leg.

Any deal for the Italian could lead to Michael Dawson exiting the club, after eight years with Spurs. The English defender was linked with a move out of White Hart Lane last summer, and a deal for Ranocchia could see the 29-year-old finally leave the club.

Manchester United have monitored him in the past, but it appears that Spurs are keen to make a formal bid for the 25-year-old. However, Ranocchia has recently expressed an interest to remain in Italy.

Would Ranocchia be a good signing for Spurs? Do they need him?

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