English club West Ham United is making a strong push to compete for the signing of Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves, star of Saudi club Al Hilal, as the upcoming winter transfer window approaches.

West Ham's interest comes from a direct request by Portuguese coach Nuno Espírito Santo, who is looking to renew his collaboration with Neves after previous successful experiences together.

Journalist Akram Connor revealed that Neves' agents have started surveying the positions of several prominent European clubs, including Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle, Liverpool, Juventus, and Tottenham.

Al Hilal Saudi Club requested an amount close to 20 million euros to approve the player's departure during the January winter transfer window, while initially insisting on keeping him.

Al Hilal's management, headed by Prince Nawaf bin Saad, is working to open the file for renewing Neves' contract as soon as possible, to avoid him entering the free period that would allow him to sign with another club without consulting the team.

Neves is considered one of the key pillars in Al Hilal's lineup, which makes the issue of his departure technically complicated, especially given the intense competition for local and continental championships.

It is worth mentioning that 28-year-old Ruben Neves joined Al Hilal in the summer of 2023, coming from Wolverhampton, on a contract lasting until June 2026.