ESPNsoccernet: Transfers

Napoli have reached an agreement to sign Espanyol defender Victor Ruiz on a permanent deal.

Ruiz, 21, will sign a contract until June 2015 with Napoli on Friday pending a medical.

A statement from Espanyol read: "RCD Espanyol and SSC Napoli have reached an agreement for defender Victor Ruiz to join the Italian team once he completes a medical in Naples on Friday.

"Ruiz will travel this afternoon to Italy and is expected to sign a four-and-a-half year contract with Napoli."

Ruiz, who was a reported target of Manchester City last month, attracted interest from across Europe following fine performances with the Primera Liga side this season.

He will become Napoli's second reinforcement in the winter transfer market following the arrival of defender Lautaro Fernandez from Argentinian side Tigres earlier this month.

Ruiz has yet to break into the full international squad but has a handful of caps for Spain's Under-21 team and will join a Napoli side that lies second in Serie A.