Everton manager David Moyes applauds with Dan Friedkin in circular inset
Credit: Imago
Evan Shaw
Wed 29 October 2025 20:10, UK
Everton may be about to capitalise on an opportunity that looks set to open up in the transfer market ahead of the January window.
The Toffees fell to defeat at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in competitive action for the first time last weekend, as they were beaten 3-0 by Tottenham.
Tim Howard bemoaned the lack of depth at Everton at the end of a 90-minute period that presented several familiar problems for his former club.
David Moyes worked alongside The Friedkin Group to try and overhaul the squad over the summer, and it has quickly become apparent that it needs to continue this winter.
Everton manager David Moyes stares into the distance while being interviewed.
Credit: Imago
Everton have perfect chance to seal James Ward-Prowse transfer
Idrissa Gueye has been a key player for Everton once again in the midfield, but his likely involvement in AFCON throughout January will stretch the Toffees’ options thinly.
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James Garner and Merlin Rohl are the only other senior options to play at the base of the midfield, and that is unlikely to be enough to see them safely through an entire month’s worth of action.
With that in mind, another addition to their midfield seems like a must this winter, and West Ham may have just opened the door to an ideal option for Everton.
Ward-Prowse hasn’t made a matchday squad since Nuno arrived at West Ham
The pair’s feud dates back to an issue that arose at Nottingham Forest last season
Ward-Prowse has over 400 Premier League appearances to his name, scoring 57 goals
James Ward-Prowse’s feud with Nuno Espirito Santo has continued at West Ham, who are now keen to offload him in January, according to The Times.
The East Londoners’ desire to move the 30-year-old on could play perfectly into the hands of Moyes and Co., as a well-travelled and experienced Premier League midfielder now looks likely to be available for a cut-price fee.
West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse jogs during a game.
Credit: Imago
It may not be the most glamorous addition for the Toffees, but Ward-Prowse is a player who still has plenty to give in the top flight.
David Moyes once called James Ward-Prowse ‘world class’
Everton were keen to sign Ward-Prowse back in 2024, and Moyes is someone who has plenty of admiration for him as a player.
Moyes was in charge when the 11-cap England international moved to join the East Londoners in the summer of 2023, and he did little to hide his admiration for him during his stint in charge at the London Stadium.
The Scot once branded Ward-Prowse’s set-piece deliveries as “world class,” according to the Daily Mail, and that is surely a weapon that he would value highly at Everton at the moment.
The Toffees have a strong aerial presence with the likes of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, and the addition of a player who can land a dead ball on a sixpence would be invaluable to them in terms of creating chances.
Throw in the fact that Ward-Prowse is still a very capable midfielder, and he could be an excellent option for Everton to explore this winter.
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