Barcelona, Real Madrid 'in battle for Fabian Ruiz'

Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly locked in a battle to sign Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz.

The 23-year-old joined Napoli from Real Betis in the summer of 2018 and went on to score seven times in 40 appearances for the Italian giants during the 2018-19 campaign.

Ruiz has started this season with one goal in six Serie A outings, meanwhile, and a number of clubs are said to be keeping a close eye on the Spain international's development.

According to Mundo Deportivo, both Barca and Madrid are keen to bring Ruiz back to Spain, although Napoli would not be prepared to sell for under £54m.

The report also adds that the Italian club are attempting to sign the midfielder to a new contract in order to remove a release clause which currently exists.

Barca director of football Eric Abidal is said to have already scouted Ruiz this season as their interest in the Spaniard grows.