Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern In Tug Of War Over Napoli Midfielder

Four European club giants are battling to have the signature of Napoli midfielder, Fabian Ruiz during the January transfer window.

The quartet of Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich are prepared to break the bank in order to acquire the talented Spanish midfielder.

Ruiz won the Player of the Tournament at the 2019 Under-21 European Championship, scoring in the final as Spain won the title in Italy, and has been capped twice by the senior side.

This came after a thoroughly impressive debut season for Napoli, making 40 appearances and scoring seven goals in all competitions after signing from Real Betis for €30m (£27m) in the summer of 2018.

The Spaniard signed a five-year contract when he joined Napoli, which does not expire until 2023, so the Serie A side would be under absolutely no pressure to sell and would demand an enormous transfer fee for one of their star players.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo have suggested that Barcelona will make an opening bid of €60m (£54m) in January, but Napoli could demand even more than that.

Ruiz played against Liverpool in last season’s Champions League group stage, when the Reds narrowly qualified ahead of the Italians thanks to goal difference.

Jurgen Klopp’s side famously went on to win the tournament, beating Tottenham in the final in June, and Ruiz predicted that after meeting them early on.