Newcastle join race for Barcelona, Arsenal target with £13m clause

Newcastle United have sent scouts to watch over young Real Betis star Fabian Ruiz, a report claims.

Spanish outlet El Confidencial claim that the 21-year-old midfielder is now the ‘jewel in the crown’ at Betis after starting as a squad player.

Ruiz is currently under contract with the Spanish club until 2020 and has a release clause at present of £13million, the report claims.

However, El Confidencial go on to state that Betis want to extend his current terms and insert a new, presumably higher, release clause.

Scouts from Arsenal, West Ham, Everton and Chelsea have also apparently been watching Ruiz regularly, but no official approach has yet been made.

In addition, Barcelona are linked with the 6ft2 anchorman, who has scored two goals in 16 appearances so far this season.