Real Madrid have reportedly stepped up their interest in Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz, with the capital giants preparing to launch an offer at the start of 2020.
The 23-year-old has impressed for Napoli since arriving from Real Betis in the summer of 2018 and is believed to be a transfer target for the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City.
Madrid have also been strongly linked with a move over the last few months, though, and according to AS, Zinedine Zidane's side are lining up a swoop during the January transfer window.
The report claims that Los Blancos first approached Napoli in October over a potential deal, and the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti as head coach could see Ruiz attempt to force a mid-season exit.
Ruiz, who was allegedly valued in the region of £150m by Gil Azzurri president Aurelio De Laurentiis last summer, has scored once in 21 appearances at club level during the 2019-20 campaign.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that, despite a series of claims, there is no release clause in the Spaniard's current deal in Naples.
Matt Law
