Is Real using the SSC Naples?

According to AS, Real Madrid are apparently planning to sign midfielder Fabian Ruiz of SSC Naples. The 23-year-old Spaniard is currently convincing at the U21-EM in Italy, although a transfer is still likely to be difficult.

Fabian, who moved from Betis Sevilla to Serie A last summer for 30 million euros, has a contract there until 2023 and, according to the report, Ruiz does not have a withdrawal clause, which would require a transfer fee of around 80 million euros – in the event that the party were to give up the player at all.

But Ruiz would still be cheaper than Paul Pogba, who is regarded as the favourite of coach Zinedine Zidane. According to AS, however, the French international is currently more likely to be attracted to Juventus Turin anyway.

Ruiz would therefore be a cheaper alternative overall, although there would also be money for Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur in the coffers of the royals. Fabian scored seven goals in 40 matches for Napoli last season.