David Moyes is keen on bringing West Ham outcast James Ward-Prowse to Everton in January but there is one major issue as things stand.
If anything sums up how player recruitment has gone for West Ham over the last few years, it is the fact James Ward-Prowse is yet to score a free-kick for the Hammers.
Ward-Prowse has scored 17 goals direct from free-kicks in the Premier League, the second most of all-time behind David Beckham on 18.
But Ward-Prowse is now more likely to match or break Beckham’s record with Everton than the Hammers.
The midfielder’s last free-kick goal came against Chelsea in February, 2023.
Ward-Prowse finished at West Ham
After an impressive start to life at West Ham under David Moyes, Ward-Prowse’s limitations in open play have become increasingly pronounced in an ever-evolving Premier League.
Ward-Prowse has been brutally jettisoned by new West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
The writing was on the wall for the ex England midfielder when Nuno left him out of the Hammers squad altogether for his first game in charge up at Everton.
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West Ham played well in a 1-1 draw with Moyes’ side and should have won the game.
Nuno has insisted every player in the West Ham squad will be important.
James Ward-Prowse future at West Ham looks bleak under Nuno Espirito Santo
Photo by MB Media/Getty Images
But Ward-Prowse has not been seen since before the Everton game.
The next time he is seen in the Premier League now appears more likely to be in the blue of Everton than the claret and blue of West Ham.
Because Moyes wants West Ham outcast Ward-Prowse at Everton but there’s one issue.
The former Hammers boss wants a reunion with the man he pushed to sign for £30m from Southampton, Hammers News understands.
But there is one significant issue which could stand in the way of the deal.
Moyes wants Ward-Prowse at Everton but there’s a snag
A leading transfer source inside West Ham has exclusively told Hammers News that Ward-Prowse’s former club Southampton and Everton want to sign him in January.
The window opens in less than six weeks and West Ham, Everton and Southampton all need to do business.
The Toffees have not kicked on after a good start to the new season in their new stadium, sitting 13th in the Premier League table.
Moyes has even come under some pressure from a small faction of Everton fans. They need to do business in January if they want to kick on and challenge for a top half finish.
West Ham looked nailed on for relegation until Nuno’s arrival.
But back-to-back wins have breathed new life into their season and given hope they can stay up.
David Moyes speaks with James Ward-Prowse during their time together at West Ham
Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images
It is clear West Ham will need reinforcements, though, with Nuno targeting a new striker, a midfielder and a defender as a bare minimum.
Southampton need fresh blood too as they languish in 17th in the Championship, seven points off the play-off spots.
West Ham and Nuno have already made it clear to Ward-Prowse and several others, including Niclas Fullkrug, that they and their agents should seek new clubs in January.
Saints looked the most likely destination.
Not least because West Ham still owe Southampton plenty of money for their annual instalments on both Ward-Prowse and Mateus Fernandes, who they spent a combined total of £70m on.
Whatever fee agreed with Southampton could be stuck off the balance owing.
Bringing in a fee is key for West Ham in terms of PSR.
Everton reluctant to agree Ward-Prowse obligation
The Hammers had to sell to buy in the summer and are set to announce record £100m losses in their next set of accounts in December.
And as things stand that is the big problem with early enquiries from Everton to reunite Moyes with Ward-Prowse.
The top transfer source inside West Ham has told Hammers News that the Toffees want to loan Ward-Prowse initially.
West Ham ideally want a straight sale but are realistic given the player’s struggles, his age and the fact he will likely not have played any football for four months when January rolls around.
The Hammers are open to a loan, but only if it contains an obligation to buy at a set price in the summer.
Everton are reluctant to agree to an obligation and want to make it an option.
“There have been early talks and Everton want to do the deal as a loan at first and see how it works out,” the leading West Ham transfer source told Hammers News.
“Moyes wants a loan with option, similar to what he did with Kalvin Phillips at West Ham.
“West Ham want the money or the guarantee of money at the end of any deal and so unless Everton change their stance slightly, it actually makes Southampton favourites despite being in the Championship.
“One thing is for certain the player will be leaving in January. A reunion with Moyes does appeal to him but a return home to Southampton is also a big factor.”
When asked what kind of fee the Hammers would want for Ward-Prowse, a figure of £10m was floated as a reasonable number to hit if Everton or Saints want to buy him outright or agree an obligation amount on any loan.