According to ESPN, West Ham manager David Moyes ran the rule over Real Betis midfielder and winter transfer target Fabian Ruiz during Sunday’s La Liga game against Barcelona.
The Spain youth international has a £13million release clause, and after Hammers scouts recommended him to Moyes, the Scot decided to go watch him in action first-hand.
Ruiz, 21, has 2 goals and 3 assists in 16 La Liga games this term, but was helpless as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both grabbed a brace each as Barca ran out 5-nil winners.
The young midfielder was in fine form as Betis matched the La Liga heavyweights during the opening 60 minutes, but was nowhere to be found as things later fell apart in the remaining 30.
Ruiz was at fault for the 2nd goal after Sergio Busquets dispossessed him some few meters in front of his box.
Regardless of Ruiz’s game, he looks a top and affordable quality for West Ham level, but it remains to be seen if he convinced Moyes enough.
The east Londoners need another midfielder as the manager looks to shore up his squad for the remainder of the campaign, and at 21, the promising Spaniard could be a fine long-term option.
