Everything Scott Parker said as West Ham’s James Ward-Prowse linked with Burnley move
West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse has been linked with a move to Burnley this winter.
West Ham sealed their third winter signing with the arrival of Keiber Lamadrid on loan until the end of the campaign, though more are still expected.
However, to accommodate more arrivals, the Irons are still looking to move some players on, especially those who have had little to no gametime this season.
Ward-Prowse has been frozen out at the London Stadium by Nuno Espirito Santo, potentially opening the door to a move to Turf Moor.
James Ward-Prowse may need to be patient to seal Burnley move
Burnley have shown an interest in Ward-Prowse, who will almost certainly jump at the idea of moving on from West Ham this winter.
While Graham Potter handed the midfielder five starts at the start of the campaign, Nuno hasn’t even afforded him a minute in the Premier League this season, and it was a similar story when the duo spent time together at Nottingham Forest.
That has made an exit seem almost nailed on this winter, though Scott Parker has refused to talk directly on a move for the 31-year-old.
As quoted by Sky Sports, the Clarets boss said: “We’re trying to do things, but I’ll reiterate what I’ve said many times. We’re trying to do different things that fall into play. Loads of different variables. We need to make good decisions and right decisions.
“We don’t want to be anybody to the squad that can’t bring quality and help us. Regarding individuals, that’s not something I’ll be quoted on.”
Burnley remain in the market for midfield reinforcements after it was revealed that Josh Cullen will miss the rest of the campaign with an ACL injury.
What has Nuno said on Ward-Prowse’s future?
Nuno’s relationship with Ward-Prowse is fragmented, and his time as West Ham manager has demonstrated that as clearly as day.
Even when the Irons have lacked options in the middle of the park, Nuno has turned elsewhere, despite having a Premier League-proven player right there.
Initial talks have been held over his exit from the London Stadium, and it would be a deal that would benefit all parties.
Burnley get their target, and West Ham free up wages on a player who isn’t playing.
However, Nuno’s latest comments on the matter are quite baffling given his actions.
“Anything regarding rumours, it’s not what takes care of our minds. We know all the players here are going to be very important,” he said of Ward-Prowse.
“Me and James have had conversations, we are clear. James is here. He worked today, if he works tomorrow, it will be the same. And it’s the same with all the players, I don’t waste time on rumours and speculation. It doesn’t mean anything.“
These comments suggest any potential deal for him to move on could drag on until the end of the transfer window.
Stay up to date this winter with our West Ham transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at the London Stadium, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.