Everton’s updated stance on James Ward-Prowse deal revealed by David Moyes ally
Everton have joined the race to sign West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse as he looks set for a move in the January transfer window.
That is according to former West Ham and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 31-year-old has been identified as an option for David Moyes‘ side.
Football Insider revealed on 3 October that West Ham will accept offers for Ward-Prowse in January after he was excluded from Nuno Espirito Santo‘s plans for the future.
Since the boss’ arrival at the London Stadium in September, the midfielder has not been involved in a matchday squad, and plans are being put in place for his sale.
As a result, Everton are one of multiple clubs keeping tabs on his situation as they aim to bolster their squad during the January transfer window.
Everton plot move to sign James Ward-Prowse
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 20 November that Ward-Prowse could join Everton in January on loan with an option to buy.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and worked closely alongside Moyes during his time at West Ham, has insisted Moyes is interested in a reunion with the midfielder who he brought to the London Stadium.
“David Moyes knows him well from his time at West Ham,” he told Football Insider.
“In fact, it was Moyesey who brought him there in the first place because he felt he could add something West Ham lacked at that time.
“If he now feels the situation at Everton is the same, he could look to bring him in again.
“So he’s definitely somebody who will be on their radar and if he does become available, they’re going to be among those looking to bring him in.
“He’s not been in the side at West Ham and the manager doesn’t seem to rate him, but maybe he needs a fresh start, and Everton would be willing to provide that for him.
“Looking at it from the outside, I’m not sure he’s what Everton need at the moment.
“He’s a good passer of the ball, but they’ve got a couple of those, I don’t think he offers enough out of possession to do a job in that team.
“But he’s a Premier League player in a position Everton want to strengthen, and he’s available for what I expect would be a reasonable price, so it wouldn’t surprise me.”
Ward-Prowse preparing for West Ham exit
Ward-Prowse’s West Ham spell is likely all but over following Nuno’s appointment, as the midfielder has no place in his plans for the fututre.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 5 October that Ward-Prowse is preparing to leave West Ham in January and is keen to find his next move quickly.
As a result, Ward-Prowse has been tipped to return to Southampton, with the Saints having endured a slow start to the season in the Championship.
The midfielder could return to the club he spent 20 years at before his move to the London Stadium, in what would be a tempting possibility for all parties.
However, with Everton becoming the latest club to join the race for his signature, luring him back to St Mary’s may prove a difficult task.
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