The management of Al-Ittihad Club has officially begun steps to sign international defender Murad Hawsawi from Al-Khaleej Club during the upcoming winter transfer window in January.

The federation sent an official letter to its counterpart in the Gulf, expressing its desire to open negotiations, without specifying any proposed financial amount for the deal, according to the newspaper "Asharq Al-Awsat."

Hawsawi is considered one of the most prominent young players in Saudi football, which has led Al-Khaleej's management to seek the best possible financial value from his transfer.

The request from Al-Ittihad comes amid strong competition with Al-Hilal, which has also submitted an official offer to sign the player, prompting Al-Khaleej's management to carefully review the offers before making a final decision.

Al-Khaleej management agreed with Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad clubs to conduct the negotiations in complete secrecy, to avoid any bidding wars or inflation of figures, and to ensure the negotiations proceed smoothly and logically.

Discussions will continue in the coming period, with both parties closely monitoring the situation to ensure reaching an agreement that satisfies all parties before the official start of the winter transfer window.