Hull City have confirmed the loan signing of defender Andrea Ranocchia from Inter Milan.
Italy international Ranocchia, 28, had spent time on loan at Sampdoria last season and had made only five Serie A appearances for Inter this season.
Hull said the centre-back could make his debut against Manchester United on Wednesday if he receives international clearance in time.
"Andrea has come here to improve our squad and is ready to play," Hull boss Marco Silva said. "He's an international quality player with great experience."
�� | We are delighted to announce the loan signing of Andrea Ranocchia from @Inter_en #WelcomeAndrea pic.twitter.com/mMJ24CkInE
- Hull City (@HullCity) January 31, 2017
He joins Hull as they seek to move clear of the relegation zone in the second half of the season, with the club currently 19th in the Premier League table, two points from safety.
Hull have made significant changes to the squad this month, with Jake Livermore and Robert Snodgrass leaving, while Evandro Goebel has arrived along with loanees Lazar Markovic, Oumar Niasse and Omar Elabdellaoui.