West Ham United are reportedly willing to accept suitable offers for English central midfielder James Ward-Prowse before the transfer window closes this weekend.
The 29-year-old joined the Hammers 12 months ago from Southampton following their relegation to the Championship.
The England international signed for £30m on a four-year contract under previous manager David Moyes.
It’s now being reported that current manager Julien Lopetegui doesn’t see Ward-Prowse in his plans for the 2024/25 campaign and might want to sell, with Nottingham Forest interested according to Pete O’Rourke.
Why do West Ham United want to sell?
Ward-Prowse played 37 times scoring seven goals in the process as the Hammers finished 8th in the league.
With the arrival of Guido Rodriguez from Real Betis and new manager Lopetegui it seems the Englishman has fallen down the pecking order.
West Ham has spent £120 million so far on the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Max Kilman and Niclas Fullkrug however have only recouped around £40 million in player sales.
Selling Ward-Prowse could be a way to balance the books if Lopetegui isn’t going to use the midfielder.
Why are Nottingham Forest interested?
While it’s been reported by O’Rourke that there are several Premier League clubs interested in the 29-year-old it seems Nottingham Forest are the front runners.
Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to reinforce the Forest midfield after the serious injury to Danilo on the opening day of the Premier League against AFC Bournemouth.
The midfielder despite having three years on his contract would likely not cost Forest a huge amount and would add experience to a youthful midfield.
What does James Ward-Prowse offer?
The Englishman has racked up 381 Premier League appearances scoring 56 goals and assisting 45.
His experience in the league would be invaluable to a side such as Forest who are looking to escape relegation and secure a mid-table position this season.
Ward-Prowse is a notorious Freekick taker and is one freekick goal behind David Beckham’s Premier League record of 18.
The goal threat is clear to see and Ward-Prowse is also exceptionally talented at passing and creating opportunities.
At 29 the ex-Southampton man is still in his peak years of physical fitness and if he can find the right home, it would be expected he could be depended on in the midfield for many years to come.