Source: Daily_Mail
Napoli lead mega-rich Manchester City in race to sign Espanyol defender Victor Ruiz
Napoli hope they can beat moneybags Manchester City to the signing of Victor Ruiz by offering the defender a prominent role in their team.[LNB]The Serie A side know they cannot match City's spending might, but reports in Italy claim they are in the driving seat to sign the centre half from Espanyol in January.[LNB]Napoli have already had a £4million bid for the defender knocked back, but the cash-strapped Catalan club are looking to sell at least one player in the winter transfer window and offers closer to Ruiz's £7m release clause would be hard to resist.[LNB] In demand: Espanyol's Victor Ruiz is being chased by Napoli and Manchester City[LNB]City have watched Ruiz but are already well stocked at the back and may see the Spain Under 21 defender as one for the future.[LNB]Espanyol would prefer to sell 23-year-old forward Jose Callejon, who has been watched by Everton, while Tottenham and Wigan have been linked with £5m-rated playmaker Victor Marquez.[LNB]Meanwhile, Napoli are also keen on giant Cluj striker Lacina Traore, the 20-year-old Ivorian who has also been linked with Arsenal.[LNB] Barcelona set to make Dani Alves one last contract offer in bid to fend off Manchester CityManchester City eye £8m Udinese defender Zapata as rivals United look set to land Leeds teenager Kebbie MANCHESTER CITY FC
