West Ham are stepping up their bid for Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia.

Inter chief Piero Ausilio has confirmed they're prepared to sell Ranocchia this month.

And TMW says West Ham have stepped up negotiations with Inter for the defender over the last 24 hours.

Ranocchia is now mulling over whether to chance his arm and move abroad, having played his entire career in Italy.

West Ham are pushing for an agreement over this weekend.