Ranieri keen to capture Batigoal

Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has declared his interest in signing Argentina great Gabriel Batistuta.

The 34-year-old striker was loaned out to Inter Milan from Roma last season but has revealed a desire to move to the Premiership when he becomes a free agent this season.

Ranieri told The Sun: “We need players with more experience so we can do better in the Champions League.

“I also think he could be a success in the Premiership, despite his age, because football is so attacking in England.

“We are preparing various signings for next season but within the confines of what we can afford. Some are very advanced. Batistuta has been offered to us but the deal is not done yet.

“I know South American players well and I do not think that if Batistuta came here it would be just to earn more money.”