Manchester United have reportedly been in touch with the agents of Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz to discuss a possible deal for the Spaniard before the end of the transfer window.
The Red Devils are determined to sign a new midfielder in the current market, and they continue to be frustrated in their pursuit of Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.
Man United are said to be prepared to wait for the Netherlands international, but Barcelona president Joan Laporta has said that the club are not planning to sell him this summer.
"Frenkie is Barca player. We want him to stay, he wants to stay. We've received important bids for him but he's our player," Laporta told reporters. "You know salary budget situation; so we will do our best to keep Frenkie at Barca... and I hope he'll do the same."
As a result, the 20-time English champions could be forced to look elsewhere, with new head coach Erik ten Hag desperate to boost his midfield options for the 2022-23 campaign.
© Reuters
According to journalist Ciro Venerato, Man United have contacted Ruiz's representatives to discuss a possible move to the club over the next few weeks.
"Manchester United made an attempt with Fabian's entourage," Venerato told CalcioNapoli24.
However, it is alleged that Man United are yet to make contact with Napoli, who are thought to be willing to let him leave for as little as £26m during this summer's transfer window due to his contract situation.
Ruiz only has 11 months left to run on his deal in Naples, and his Serie A club are said to be reluctant to run the risk of losing him on a free transfer at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
The 26-year-old was again a key player for his Italian side during the 2021-22 campaign, making 38 appearances in all competitions, contributing seven goals and five assists in the process.
© Reuters
Arsenal and Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder, while Real Madrid and Barcelona are thought to be long-term admirers.
The Spaniard joined Napoli from Real Betis in 2018, and he has made 166 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, contributing 22 goals and 15 assists.
Last season, he scored seven goals and registered four assists in 32 Serie A outings, in addition to featuring on five occasions in the Europa League.
Man United are currently short in central midfield, having allowed both Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic to leave on free transfers over the summer, but Christian Eriksen has arrived following the expiration of his contract at Brentford.
Eriksen is in the squad that is travelling to Norway for Saturday's pre-season clash with Atletico Madrid, but there is no Cristiano Ronaldo amid the speculation surrounding his future.
Matt Law
