Real Madrid are preparing an offer for Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz.

AS says Ruiz is the man Real have down as their number one priority to strengthen the midfield - the club's interest goes all the way back to last summer.

Negotiations have continued at a steady pace and have been stepped up over the past couple of months as Madrid are closely following what happens with the player's contract and the possibility that he might either renew with Napoli or leave.

Madrid's idea is to sign him this summer and the club is willing to put in a significant offer as they already know that there is no chance Napoli will give any kind of discount.

Napoli are stable economically, they have no financial issues and so there is no reason why they would allow a player who is key to Gennaro Gattuso's plans leave for anything less than he is worth.