Keith Wyness: ‘I’m hearing’ Everton could lure proven Premier League star on ‘loan-to-buy’ deal
James Ward-Prowse has been linked with a move to Everton, where he would reunite with former manager David Moyes.
Football Insider revealed on 3 October that West Ham will accept offers for Ward-Prowse in the January transfer window.
Since the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo at the London Stadium, the 31-year-old has not been included in a single matchday squad.
It’s clear that the former Nottingham Forest boss sees Ward-Prowse as surplus to requirements, making his departure almost inevitable.
Everton urged away from James Ward-Prowse deal after price reveal
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that his old side could be set to sign Ward-Prowse on loan, with an obligation to buy included.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness revealed that Moyes admires the midfielder, who would cost Everton around £10million.
Ward-Prowse played under Moyes during the Scotsman’s final season at West Ham, making 37 appearances and notching 14 goal contributions in the Premier League.
However, Wyness added that at the age of 31, the Englishman is not the right long-term solution for Everton, and should only be considered on a straight loan deal.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Moyes is a fan, I’ve got to say. What I’m hearing is that he might come on loan with an obligation to buy. That’s what West Ham want.
“They’re talking about £10m. At that sort of level, because he’s 31 now, I think you’re looking at one or two seasons mainly, and that seems to be a little bit more than expected.
“I don’t know if he’s really the right long-term solution for David Moyes going forward. I know he admires Ward-Prowse.
“A loan could be done, possibly, but I think that’s about as far as it would go. I don’t see it being a long-term purchase, to be honest. It’s not quite the way that they’re putting the squad together at Everton right now.”
Everton face more interest in James Garner
Meanwhile, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign James Garner, sources have told Football Insider.
It comes after Football Insider revealed that Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Garner, as his contract negotiations with Everton rumble on.
Eddie Howe’s side are looking to strengthen their midfield options and feel that the Englishman would be the right player to bring in.
However, the Magpies could face competition, as sources say that Villa and Forest have now registered their interest in Garner, 24, ahead of the January transfer window.
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