Barcelona target Real Betis midfield sensation, Inter Milan yet to agree terms for Rafinha

David Cooper - Writer 14:25 11/01/2018
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  • Fabian Ruiz is a hot prospect in Spanish football.

    The transfer window is well and truly in full swing!

    Here, we take a look at the biggest stories dominating the headlines on Thursday.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Let us know your thoughts.

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    REAL BETIS IN NO RUSH TO SELL PROMISING MIDFIELDER

    Barcelona have been knocked back in their attempts to sign Real Betis star Fabian Ruiz, according to Sport.

    Both Blaugrana and Valencia have been monitoring the 21-year-old, who has been at the heart of everything good about the Betis central midfield this term.

    The home-grown talent, who rose up through the Andalusian side’s youth ranks, is seen as a star of the future and Barca were rumoured to be weighing up a €15m bid during the transfer window.

    However, it looks unlikely Betis will want to off-load Ruiz, who spent last season on loan at Elche, this month.

    RATING: 8/10

    VERDICT

    Ruiz is tipped to become a lynchpin of the Spanish national team for years to come and Barcelona have been shrewd in declaring their interest early doors.

    While it is extremely unlikely a deal will be done in the January transfer window, expect the Catalan giants to come calling in the summer when they trim other areas of their squad.

    Real Betis' Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz (R) scores a goal during the Spanish league football match between Sevilla and Real Betis at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Sevilla on January 6, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images)

    Fabian Ruiz has netted twice in La Liga this term.

    TRANSFER FOR BARCELONA STAR RAFINHA STRIKES ROAD BLOCK

    Inter Milan’s pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Rafinha has hit a snag, with both clubs remaining miles apart over an agreement.

    The Brazilian is destined to leave the Camp Nou this winter but only at the right price as Barca look to offload numbers in midfield and recoup some cash following huge outlays on Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho and Yerry Mina.

    The 24-year-old, who has spent his entire career in Catalonia, has also been linked with Arsenal but the Nerazzurri are said to be in pole position to land him.

    However, the sticking point seems to be the nature of the transfer as Inter only want to take Rafinha on loan initially.

    Barcelona, though, are convinced they need to cash in on the homegrown star for a fee of €35m right away.

    RATING: 9/10

    VERDICT

    Rafinha undoubtedly needs a fresh start to his career having not featured this season. While the Catalan giants are desperate to sell, they may be willing to allow him to leave on loan until the end of the current campaign at least.

    BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 04: Rafinha (C) of FC Barcelona dribbles Nemanja Radoja (L) of RC Celta de Vigo during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RC Celta de Vigo at Camp Nou stadium on March 4, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

    Rafinha has lost his way at Barcelona.

    RAMIRES SET TO MOVE BACK TO EUROPE

    Former Chelsea midfielder Ramires could be set to end his stint in China, according to reports.

    The Brazilian, who is currently playing in the Chinese Super League with Jiangsu Suning, is attracting interest from Inter Milan.

    The San Siro giants are looking at ways in which they can bolster their squad as they chase down both Napoli and Juventus in the Serie A title race – and see 30-year-old Ramires as a man who could quickly bring a lot of experience to the table.

    La Gazzetta dello Sport are reporting Inter have a firm interest in the central midfield talent and want to bring him back to Europe.

    RATING: 8/10

    VERDICT

    The Brazilian chased the riches of the CSL in 2016 after six seasons at Stamford Bridge but it now seems, after two years, he has completed his stint in Asia. Sources close to Ramires have suggested he wants to play at the highest level of football again.

    Ramires Santos of Jiangsu FC celebrates after scoring a goal during the AFC Champions League group stage football match against Jeju United FC in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu province, on April 25, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / STR (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)

    Ramires has previously proved his worth in the Premier League.

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