Southampton chase Espanyol Victor Ruiz

Southampton boss Mauricio Pocchetino is keen on signing Valencia defender Victor Ruiz, with whom he worked at Espanyol.

Pocchetino handed the 24-year-old defender a first-team debut in Espanyol in 2009 before offloading him to Napoli in 2011 to fix the financial position of his side. Ruiz made just 6 appearances for the Italian side, and returned to his home country signing a long-term deal with Valencia. The player has quickly established himself as a first-team regular, making 34 appearances.

Pochettino revealed he is close to agreeing a move for two players in Spain. He said: “We are all aware Spain is going through difficult economic times and that makes their league very interesting for English clubs to go and sign their players.”