Young Italian defender subject of transfer speculation

Italian defender Andrea Ranocchia is trying not to think about his future, despite speculation linking with a move to the Premier League.

The Genoa centre-back has reportedly caught the eye of a number of major clubs and the Serie A side have set an asking price of €15million for the player.

Ranocchia, an Italy U21 international, is currently on loan at Bari, and although he admitted he may be partial to a move to Chelsea, he thinks it is premature to be considering a transfer abroad.

"My future is in the hands of Genoa," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Until they call me, I prefer not to think about it.

"I am sure that I will play in Bari until June and I think only to do well for Bari.

"Interest from England? I don't know, but I think it is premature for me to venture abroad.

"Even more experienced players often have difficulty outside Italy. Maybe Chelsea, but just because there's Carlo Ancelotti."