Manchester United have reportedly leapfrogged Arsenal and Liverpool in the race to sign sought-after Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz.
As reported by La Repubblica, the Red Devils are now the front-runners to acquire the Spaniard’s services as they look to address their midfield problems at the end of the season.
New boss Ralf Rangnick is in the market for a creative, deep-lying midfielder to solve United’s issues in the engine room after Fred’s performances have flattered to deceive.
With the Brazilian struggling with inconsistent showings and Nemanja Matic not getting any younger, the Old Trafford side are left with Scott McTominay as the only reliable option in midfield.
The Scotland international has been one of the most eye-catching players in recent Man United fixtures.
Meanwhile, Paul Pogba seems to be edging towards a long-awaited summer departure after refusing to commit his future to the Red Devils.
The Frenchman’s contract at the Theatre of Dreams is due to expire in less than six months, with no signs of a breakthrough in extension talks on the horizon.
With Pogba increasingly heading towards the Old Trafford exit door and Donny van de Beek on the verge of quitting the club following a lacklustre spell, Rangnick needs a new midfielder to keep his squad competitive.
Man United were keen on West Ham United vice-captain Declan Rice, but the Hammers’ staggering £100 million valuation of their headline performer has blown them out of the water.
The three-time European champions have switched their attention to Ruiz, who has gone from strength to strength since swapping Real Betis for Napoli in 2018.
The 25-year-old has tallied 20 goals and 13 assists in 148 appearances for the Partenopei, establishing himself as one of the most prolific midfielders in Serie A in the process.
Ruiz’s technical skills and tactical prowess allow him to play anywhere alongside the midfield line, which could make him invaluable to Rangnick’s set-up in Manchester.
