Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement with West Ham United to take midfielder James Ward-Prowse on a season-long loan deal.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Nottingham Forest are set to take James Ward-Prowse on a season-long loan deal. The Premier League strugglers are eager to bolster their squad ahead of the deadline day and have chosen to bring in the disgruntled West Ham star, who does not have a future in London.
Nottingham Forest agrees James Ward-Prowse loan
The omission of James Ward-Prowse surprised many, considering how much money West Ham invested in the midfielder only a year ago. A £30 million arrival from then-relegated Southampton, the midfielder was an instant hit with his specialised set-piece deliveries that suited David Moyes’ side.
However, following the arrival of Julen Lopetegui, the Spanish manager does not fancy Ward-Prowse or his qualities on the ball that much. West Ham were open to offers for the midfielder, and it appears Nottingham Forest have found a solution to their problem.
Forest have agreed on a season-long loan deal with West Ham to take Ward-Prowse for the current campaign. The agreement does not include a buy option or obligation, meaning the 2023 signing will be able to return to the London Stadium next year.
Ward-Prowse will have to compete with fellow summer arrivals at Forest, like Elliot Anderson and Marko Stamenic, as competition for places will be fierce at the Midlands club. His experience in the game does count a lot for Nuno Espirito Santo, as he will hope this signing does help them keep away from the relegation zone.
West Ham are looking at replacement options
West Ham had been looking for midfield replacements for Ward-Prowse once they made their mind up to offload the £30 million 2023 summer signing. Despite experiencing a stumbling block in their pursuit of Carlos Soler, the PSG midfielder seems like the favourite to arrive at the London Stadium.
Meanwhile, West Ham are also chasing Tottenham’s Giovani Lo Celso alongside Aston Villa and a few other clubs. The Hammers have already signed Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer, and it appears they will bring in another midfielder before the window slams shut.
