Barcelona 'send Eric Abidal to watch Fabian Ruiz'

Barcelona director of football Eric Abidal reportedly attended Napoli's Serie A clash with Lecce on Sunday to watch the performance of Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz.

The 23-year-old scored his first goal of the season against Lecce as Carlo Ancelotti's side made it three straight wins in all competitions with a 4-1 success.

According to AS, Abidal was in the stands to watch Ruiz amid suggestions that the Spanish champions are keen to bring him to Camp Nou in next summer's transfer window.

The Spain international only joined Napoli from Real Betis last summer, but it has been reported that the Italian club are attempting to sign the midfielder to a new contract in order to remove a release clause.

Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Liverpool have also all been linked with a potential swoop for a player who scored seven times in 40 appearances for his Serie A club last season.