Liverpool have been linked with a swoop for Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz after reportedly having a £47million bid for Isco rejected.
Ruiz has emerged as one of Europe’s best midfielders since joining Napoli from Real Betis in 2018.
The Spain international would be a useful addition to Jurgen Klopp’s midfield as Liverpool target glory in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
And according to reports from Spain, Liverpool have turned their attention to the 23-year-old after Real Madrid turned down their bid for Isco.
El Desmarque reports that Liverpool bid 56m euros (£47m) for Isco, which was rejected by Madrid.
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They have therefore decided to switch their focus to Ruiz, the report claims – and while he could cost even more than fellow Spain star Isco, it is believed he will be easier to sign due to the recent unrest between Napoli’s players and club chairman Aurelio de Laurentiis.
Some of Napoli’s star names are believed to be unhappy after the squad were fined for refusing to attend a training camp arranged by De Laurentiis, according to the Daily Mail.
As a result, several high-profile players could leave the club either this month or in the summer, and Liverpool are hopeful that Ruiz will be among them.
Ruiz plays in the centre of midfield but can also play on the left, and so would give Klopp options as Liverpool target success on three fronts.
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Liverpool have so far made two signings since New Year, with attacking midfielder Takumi Minamino having arrived from Red Bull Salzburg, and striker Joe Hardy joining the under-23s from Brentford.
And the Reds are poised to land another new recruit if they can beat their rivals in the race to sign highly-rated Nice attacker Pedro Brazão.
French publication Footmercato has claimed that both the Reds and PSG have already contacted Brazão’s representatives over a possible transfer.
Brazão is a left winger but can also play on the right flank or as an attacking midfielder.
