Man Utd handed Fabian Ruiz transfer blow

Manchester United have been handed a big blow in the pursuit of Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz, according to Sky Sport Italy.

The Red Devils are looking to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer, and Ruiz recently emerged as an option for them.

The club had made contact with his representatives, but it appears Paris Saint-Germain have beaten them to the player's signature.

According to Sky Sport Italy, the French champions have already agreed personal terms with Ruiz ahead of a summer transfer.

Talks are also advanced with Napoli over the fee. The Ligue 1 giants have accepted to meet the reported €30 million price tag.

The news will come as a huge blow for the Red Devils, considering they had earmarked him as an alternative to Frenkie de Jong.

De Jong was initially the prime target for United, but a deal seems improbable now with his reluctance to leave Barcelona.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also acknowledged that De Jong could stay and the club have not accepted any transfer offers.