Barcelona to battle Inter for Betis starlet

OneFootball

Dan Burke·28 January 2018

Barcelona to battle Inter for Betis starlet

Barcelona are hoping to pip Inter Milan to the signing of Real Betis midfielder Fabián Ruiz.

According to reports in Spain, Barça see the 21-year-old as a potential long-term successor to Andrés Iniesta and plan to sign him this month and loan him back to Betis for the rest of the season.

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But Italian outlet Calciomercato claim they are likely to face stiff competition for the Spain U-21 international’s signature from Inter, as well as possibly Roma and Napoli.

A product of the Betis youth academy, Ruiz currently has a €15 million release clause but the Andalusian club are hoping to bump that up to €30m by offering him a contract extension.

The youngster has so far made 59 senior appearances for both Betis and during a loan spell at Elche, scoring three goals.