Manchester City are understood to be in talks with Espanyol over Spanish Under-21 international defender Victor Ruiz.
Talks over Under-21 defender
Manchester City are understood to be in talks with Espanyol over Spanish Under-21 international defender Victor Ruiz.
The 21-year-old Catalan spent time with Barcelona as youngster, but he moved onto Espanyol and progressed through their youth set-up.
He established himself in the Espanyol first team last year and he has won caps for Spain at every age level up to the Under-21s.
City are understood to have travelled to Spain last week to talk with both the club and player, following the derby with Barcelona.
City are believed to be ready to offer €9million for the player, who has a buy-out clause of €12million - but they do not look likely to go that high.
The Premier League side also need to convince Ruiz to move to England, as reports suggest he is not overly keen at the prospect of being a squad player at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Italian outfit Napoli are also keen, but Espanyol sources suggest that Ruiz will end up with City, on a four-and-half-year deal.
