Sources: Nuno Espirito Santo to accept James Ward-Prowse offer after West Ham snub
Nuno Espirito Santo is already making waves both on and off the pitch at West Ham United shortly following his appointment.
Nuno was appointed to replace Graham Potter following a dismal start to the season at the London Stadium, with just one win from their opening six league games.
The Portuguese manager’s reign began in West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Everton, and has been praised for already beginning to turn around their early-season fortunes.
Meanwhile, plans are being put in place ahead of the January transfer window as the boss aims to tailor his squad to suit his needs and away from Potter‘s plans.
One player who now looks destined to leave the Hammers is James Ward-Prowse, after he was left out of the squad completely for the draw at Everton.
West Ham plan to accept James Ward-Prowse offer
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.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Ward-Prowse has no future at the London Stadium, and Nuno has already decided he will be allowed to leave in January.
The boss previously worked with him at Forest last season, where he saw his season-long loan cut short and he was sent back to the London Stadium.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Well, does appear that he does not have a future at West Ham, Ward-Prowse.
“Obviously, Nuno’s first act at West Ham was to axe him from the squad to face Everton on Monday night which raised a few eyebrows.
“It just seems that Ward-Prowse just has no sort of place in Nuno’s plans at the London Stadium.
“It’s not the first time either, Nuno worked with Ward-Prowse at Nottingham Forest last year when he joined on a season-long loan, but that was cut short and he was sent back to West Ham in January.
“So there’s obviously something maybe that Nuno doesn’t rate Ward Prowse and the best solution for all parties will be a parting of the ways in the January window.”
Ward-Prowse has been tipped to return to Southampton, with the Saints having endured a slow start to the season in the Championship.
Ward-Prowse facing spell out of action at West Ham
After Nuno dropped Ward-Prowse from his squad to face Everton on Monday night, the midfielder is considered unlikely to return to the team.
His absence from the squad was not due to an injury or any other concern, but due to the manager’s decision as he has no plans for him in the side.
With a return to Southampton seemingly on the cards, Ward-Prowse could return to the club he spent 20 years at before his move to the London Stadium.
However, concerns may emerge as a result of an extended period on the sidelines, with his match fitness likely to be impacted if he does not return to match action.
Instead, the manager will focus on his other players as El Hadji Malick Diouf has been backed to shine under Nuno following an impressive start at West Ham.
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