Nottingham Forest and West Ham United have agreed to sign midfielder James Ward-Prowse on a season loan.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Nottingham Forest are likely to sign James Ward-Prowse on a season-long loan. The Premier League strugglers are looking to bolster their squad ahead of deadline day and have decided to bring in the dissatisfied West Ham star, who has no future in London.
Nottingham Forest agrees James Ward-Prowse loan
Many were stunned by James Ward-Prowse’s absence, given how much money West Ham invested in the midfielder only a year ago. The midfielder, who cost £30 million from then-relegated Southampton, was an instant success because to his specialist set-piece deliveries, which suited David Moyes’ team.
However, with the arrival of Julen Lopetegui, the Spanish manager seems less impressed by Ward-Prowse and his ball-playing abilities. West Ham were open to proposals for the midfielder, and it looks Nottingham Forest have solved their problem.
Forest have agreed to a season-long loan deal with West Ham to take Ward-Prowse for the current season. The agreement does not include a buy option or commitment, so the 2023 signing will be able to return to the London Stadium next year.
Ward-Prowse will have to fight with Forest’s other summer signings, such as Elliot Anderson and Marco Stamenic, as competition for places will be tough at the Midlands club. Nuno Espirito Santo values his experience in the game, and he hopes that this signing will help them avoid relegation.
West Ham are looking at replacement options
West Ham has been looking for midfield replacements for Ward-Prowse after deciding to offload the £30 million 2023 summer signing. Despite a stumbling hurdle in their pursuit of Carlos Soler, the PSG midfielder appears to be the favourite to arrive at the London Stadium.
Meanwhile, they are chasing Tottenham’s Giovani Lo Celso, along with Aston Villa and a few other clubs. The Hammers have already added Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer, and it appears they will add another midfielder before the window closes.