Manchester United leading race for signing of Serie A midfield star

Manchester United are leading the race to sign highly coveted midfielder Fabian Ruiz from Napoli, according to reports in Italy.

La Repubblica are suggesting that Ralf Rangnick is keen on the Spaniard, and United are believed to be in pole position for his signature.

United have been in the market for a midfielder for a while now, but have so far failed in attempts to sign Declan Rice and Aurelian Tchouameni, among others.

United are lining up a move for Napoli midfielder Ruiz

Ruiz could be the answer for Rangnick, though, who has been one of the standout performers in Serie A so far this season.

The 25-year-old has been a regular in midfield for the Naples side, and has also scored five goals in 16 Serie A matches so far this season.

The Red Devils have been short of midfield options all season, with Fred and Scott McTominay failing to impress, and Paul Pogba is expected to leave when his contract expires in the summer.

The report states that, while Rice remains the Red Devils’ top target, Ruiz is quickly becoming a much more likely candidate to fill the void in the club’s midfield.

The Spanish international’s current contract with Napoli is due to expire in the summer of 2023, and United are reportedly ready to pounce once he has entered the final 12 months of his deal.

He is believed to be unlikely to sign an extension with the Italian side, despite playing almost 150 times for them since joining from Real Betis in 2018.

Arsenal and Liverpool are also both credited with an interest in Ruiz, but United are leading the race for the midfielder.