Everton and Newcastle United have reportedly been handed a boost in the race to sign Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz, with the Serie A side struggling to renew the Spaniard’s contract.
According to Il Mattino via GIFN, the Italian giants have hit a wall in trying to retain Ruiz, with the report stating that both Everton and Newcastle are keen on signing the Spanish midfielder should contract talks prove to be unsuccessful.
The 25-year-old is regarded as one of the best creative players in Serie A, with Ruiz playing a key role for Napoli since joining in 2018 and becoming a regular member of the Spanish national team.
However, it looks like Ruiz’s time with Napoli is coming to an end. As well as contract talks stalling, reports in Italy suggest that the former Real Betis star was subject to a £33m bid from Newcastle in the final days of the transfer window.
With FC Barcelona and Real Madrid also said to be interested in Ruiz, many clubs will be eager to see how the midfielder’s contract talks with Napoli play out, with Frank Lampard’s side and Newcastle waiting to pounce.
Labelled as ‘extraordinary’ by the Italian media, Ruiz could be a welcome addition to the Premier League after four years with Napoli, and Everton and Newcastle could both be confident that they can sign the midfielder.
Premier League finishes could decide if Ruiz joins Everton or Newcastle
As things stand, it appears that Ruiz will be leaving Napoli for a new adventure in football, and his next destination could be decided on who finishes higher in the Premier League between Everton and Newcastle.
Indeed, the two English clubs both could theoretically go down if their form continues to slump. And for Ruiz, the midfielder might be sold to move to the Premier League depending on who out of Everton and Newcastle has the stronger finish this season.
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