Inter manager Antonio Conte has decided to block the departure of young defender Lorenzo Pirola according to a report from Italian news outlet FCInterNews.it.

Various Serie B clubs had shown an interest in taking him on a season long loan but all negotiations have been stopped and Pirola will be part of the Inter first team picture, where he will occupy the role of sixth choice central defender.

The reason Pirola is set to stay at Inter, the report goes on to state, is that it looks like Andrea Ranocchia is set to leave the club.

Genoa have shown a keen interest in signing him and his agent is meeting with Genoa’s sporting director Daniele Faggiano to talk things over. Parma and Sassuolo are also keen the player according to the report.

Ranocchia joined Inter back in 2011 but has barely featured whatsoever in recent seasons with him being far from a first choice option in the heart of the defence and he appears to be out of the club’s plans.