FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to do battle for the signature of an €87 million-rated Spain star, who could join one of the LaLiga giants during the January transfer window.
Ahead of the upcoming El Clasico, reports have emerged that the Blaugrana and Los Blancos are doing battle away from the pitch as well as they go head to head for the signature of a Spain international.
According to the Daily Mail, the LaLiga rivals are both pursuing Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz, who carries a reported price tag of €87 million (R1.4 billion), which could rise if he signs a new deal with the Italian outfit.
The 23-year-old has seen his stock rise since joining Napoli at the beginning of last season, and made his international debut earlier this year, sparking interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.
Real and Barca are chief among those who are said to chasing the former Real Betis star, with the Spanish giants having reportedly identified him as a replacement for ageing midfielders Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, respectively.
Ruiz joined Napoli for €26 million (R430 million) in July 2018, and has since scored eight goals in 48 appearances for the Serie A side.
