Inter are set to finish off their transfer window by signing a low-cost defender to replace Andrea Ranocchia this month, and Lazio’s Francesco Acerbi would be a prime candidate, whilst a loan option would also be possible.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Il Giornale, who report that Acerbi remains a name near the top of the Nerazzurri’s list of defensive targets despite the fact that they have never appeared overly enthusiastic to sign the 34-year-old.

Ranocchia left Inter to join Monza at the end of his contract, and so they find the squad a bit light in terms of out-and-out centre-backs who can provide a backup option to Stefan de Vrij in a season where squad depth is set to play a big role.

Accordingly, a player with this profile is definitely a position of need and will be sought, but the club are hardly in a position to invest heavily.

Acerbi worked successfully with Inter coach Simone Inzaghi across three seasons together at the Biancocelesti and is on the Nerazzurri’s radar, whilst they are also monitoring the market for possible loan options.