Ex Wolves star labelled 'fantastic' by West Ham boss Nuno transfer listed for £20m

Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves has reportedly been put in the shop window by Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal ahead of the January transfer window, which has piqued the interest of Premier League clubs.

The 28-year-old joined Al-Hilal from Wolves on a £47 million move in 2023 but is out of contract with the Middle Eastern club in the summer. As a result, The Daily Mail reports that Neves is available for a fee of £20 million in the New Year.

The Portugal international has 177 Premier League appearances to his name and impressed during his time at Wolves. While at Molineux, Neves worked under current West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Manchester United linked with former Wolves midfielder

The Daily Mail names Manchester United as the number one top flight club who could be tempted to splash the cash on Neves with Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte all uncertain on their futures at Old Trafford. Neves could work alongside compatriot Ruben Amorim at the Theatre of Dreams.

West Ham are well stocked in the centre of the park but murmurs of potential interest are inevitable given Nuno’s relationship with the player. The Hammers splurged £40 million on Mateus Fernandes from Southampton this summer, as well as £17 million on former Monaco man Soungoutou Magassa.

Freddie Potts also returned from his loan at Portsmouth and has become a prominent figure in the side. Nonetheless, a player of Neves’ experience and leadership could be a tempting prospect for the London outfit, who look destined for a relegation dogfight.

Nuno Espirito Santo on ‘fantastic’ Ruben Neves

Speaking about Neves while at Wolves in 2021, Nuno said: “What I see is a player that is very important for us. He is a fantastic player. He’s a player that is one of the captains of the team. He’s been at Wolves for four seasons now. A lot of that he has sustained his level of performance and become a better player than when he arrived very young.

“Playing in the Championship was very different to his own reality. This is what I see in Ruben. Now he is one of the senior players in the squad who has responsibilities and he is able and capable to do much better than he did before. The talent, determination and work-ethic is there.”

Nuno was asked about the upcoming transfer window prior to facing Aston Villa this weekend but refused to be drawn into any speculation. He said: “It’s not that I don’t think about it (the January transfer window), but my main focus is Manchester City, then Fulham, then Brighton. It is not the moment to think about it. We have nine points to fight for before the transfer window opens.”

In other news, Nuno Espirito Santo confirms major West Ham fitness boost ahead of Man City clash.