West Ham are looking to force out-of-favour former England midfielder James Ward-Prowse into a Championship move during the January transfer window.
James Ward-Prowse In Limbo at West Ham
Former England midfielder James Ward-Prowse remains frozen out at West Ham United.
The 31-year-old has made just six appearances for the Hammers across all competitions this term and has failed to feature in a matchday squad since Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment.
Prior to Nuno’s arrival, Ward-Prowse had started in all five of the east London club’s opening Premier League games of the campaign under the Portuguese’s predecessor, Graham Potter.
According to reports, ahead of Nuno’s first training session at Rush Green back in September, Ward-Prowse was informed that he was not part of the ex-Wolves boss’ plans going forward.
It came off the back of Espirito Santo and Ward-Prowse working together at Nottingham Forest last term, where the free-kick specialist endured a dreadful loan spell that was cut short.
The Athletic report that while the former Southampton star remains out of the equation in terms of the matchday squad, he is also being excluded from certain training drills.
West Ham insiders revealed that training sessions are often split into two groups, one with the starting XI and the other with fringe players. Of course, Ward-Prowse is part of the latter.
These groups do not mix until there is an 11-v-11 session, however, the out-of-favour midfielder is not allowed to feature in this drill and is forced to train on his own as a result.
Consequently, the Hammers are open to selling Ward-Prowse in the January transfer window.
Speaking after the Premier League strugglers’ extra-time win over QPR in the FA Cup at the weekend, Espirito Santo touched on the 11-time England international’s situation at the club.
“The situation with James is clear from some time ago. I think he is not in the options, and it’s for us to find the best solutions for his future.”
Hammers To Force Ward-Prowse Championship Move
West Ham signed Ward-Prowse for £30 million from Southampton in August 2023.
It’s hard to envisage a situation where they receive a fee anywhere close to that for his sale.
And while they are open to sanctioning an exit this winter, Hammers chiefs do not want him to join a Premier League rival due to their precarious position in the league table.
The east Londoners are currently in 18th place, seven points adrift of safety, and they are priced among the favourites in the Premier League relegation betting odds market.
Leeds previously enquired about Ward-Prowse’s availability, and Everton have also been loosely linked, however the Hammers hope to force him into a move to the Championship or abroad.
A loan deal for a side pushing for promotion in the second tier has been mooted as a possibility.
Alternatively, Ward-Prowse could just bide his time until Espirito Santo’s inevitable sacking.
Paco Jemez’s appointment at West Ham as part of the coaching staff suggests that Nuno is not in immediate danger of being dismissed, but their poor form puts his long-term future in doubt.
They are now without a win in 10 consecutive English top-flight matches.
As a result, Espirito Santo is among the favourites in the Premier League sack race odds market.
Meanwhile, Slaven Bilic is the favourite in the next West Ham manager betting odds market.
The Hammers are next in action in an all-London affair away at out-of-form Spurs on Saturday.
