Real Madrid 'step up Fabian Ruiz interest'

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.