Liverpool 'planning Fabian Ruiz move next summer'

Liverpool are reportedly plotting a move for Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz in the summer of 2022.

The Reds did not properly replace Georginio Wijnaldum in the most recent transfer window and have seen their midfield depleted by injuries to Harvey Elliott, Naby Keita, James Milner and Thiago Alcantara throughout the campaign.

Napoli's Ruiz was strongly linked with a transfer elsewhere over the summer amid reported interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid, but a move away from Naples did not materialise.

Now, Fichajes reports that Liverpool are keen on signing Ruiz ahead of the 2022-23 season, with Barcelona and Real Madrid put off by Napoli's asking price.

The 25-year-old has entered the final two years of his deal with the Serie A high-flyers, but Napoli were thought to be demanding €60m (£51.1m) to sanction a sale in the summer.

Ruiz boasts five goals and two assists from 15 Serie A appearances this season but missed Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Atalanta BC due to muscular fatigue.