Manchester United in 'pole position' to sign Declan Rice alternative and more transfer rumours

Manchester United have identified Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz as a potential alternative to West Ham ace Declan Rice to strengthen their midfield options.

That is according to a report by La Repubblica, who claim that Ruiz is United's top priority if they are forced to switch to 'Plan B' in their attempts to add to their midfield armoury.

United, who are expected to be busy with outgoings on transfer deadline day, are desperate to add a new holding midfielder to their ranks and Rice has been their top target for a considerable amount of time.

However, the Hammers are expected to dig their heels in an attempt to keep hold of the England captain this forthcoming summer, so much so that they are set to demand £100million for his services. Rice, who recently turned 23-years-old, is considered as an ideal fit at Old Trafford and the club has already discussed the framework for how they could construct a deal.

However, reports overseas suggest United have a back up plan in the form of Ruiz. The midfielder, who has been on Napoli's books since 2018, is highly thought of by the Italian club and is attracting interest from several clubs, including United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Gallery: Manchester United players arrive for training following Covid-19 outbreak - pictures (Manchester Evening News)

The report also states that United are in 'pole position' to sign the Spain international, who is under contract in Naples until the summer of 2025, in the summer.

Meanwhile, United are 'willing to sign' wantaway Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele ahead of the transfer window slamming shut, a report by Spanish newspaper Sport, as cited by Man Utd News, claims.

The Frenchman, who has regularly been linked with a move to Old Trafford in