Matip and Okaka on Ranieri’s radar

New Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri wants Liverpool defender Joel Matip and Watford forward Stefano Okaka, according to reports.

Sorting out Fulham’s leaky defence will be Ranieri’s priority and The Sun reports that the Italian is keen on Liverpool’s Matip in the January transfer window.

And Italian outlet TuttoMercartoWeb say Ranieri also interested in taking Okaka to Craven Cottage on an initial loan deal.

Okaka, who is very much out of favour at Watford, previously played under Ranieri at Roma.

Fulham, bottom of the Premier League, will be hoping for more magic from Ranieri, who sensationally led Leicester City to the title in 2016.

He famously rewarded his players with pizza during that season – but Fulham’s players have been told to expect burgers if they turn their season around.

“Pizza is not enough now,” Ranieri said at his unveiling at a press conference on Friday.

“I have to promise something more. It’s better everybody to McDonald’s. I look always forward. I’m an ambitious man. I believe I have good players.

“Now I have to choose players who show me fighting spirit. With quality, fighting spirit and unity, the players help each other.”

He added: “Play football, play well, but when you lose the ball I want to see you with an anchor, like pirates.”