Tony Cottee has asserted that all is not well between Nuno Espirito Santo and one of his West Ham United players.
The Portuguese took over from Graham Potter at the end of September and has since steadied the ship at the London Stadium.
While West Ham are still in the bottom three, recent results and performances suggest an upward trajectory.
James Ward-Prowse has fallen out with Nuno, claims Cottee
Cottee believes that Nuno and James Ward-Prowse do not seem to be seeing eye to eye at the London Stadium.
In his view, something happened between the duo back during their time at Nottingham Forest, which has led to him being isolated from the West Ham United first team.
Since the Portuguese arrived at the club, the 31-year-old has not been part of the first-team picture.
Ward-Prowse has been absent from matchday squads and Nuno constantly dodges the question about his omission.
Prior to his arrival, the Englishman started all five Premier League games.
However, Nuno has banished him and has opted for a more youthful and energetic midfield, which has been a positive for the Hammers.
Ward-Prowse is expected to leave in January. How will he be remembered for his time at West Ham?
Speaking about him, Cottee said: “He obviously fell out with Nuno, didn’t he? Because as soon as Nuno arrived, that was it. He was gone, wasn’t he?
“You know, so something must have happened at Forest. Listen, he has been a good player.
“But I would say for West Ham, he just hasn’t shown what he’s, you know, what he’s showed at other clubs.
“All the free kicks and everything, he never scored a free kick. And, you know, I feel for him really because I’ve been a fan over the years. I think he’s been a good player and it just hasn’t worked for West Ham.”
How much will Ward-Prowse be sold for?
At 31, it’s fair to assume that Ward-Prowse’s best days are behind him.
What West Ham could have received in his prime will undoubtedly be considerably higher.
However, the Englishman still has 18 months left on his contract at the London Stadium, so there is a chance he commands a fee between £5million and £10million in January.
There may be clubs in the Championship or even in the bottom half of the Premier League who’d be willing to take a punt on the midfielder.
It remains to be seen if the Hammers enter talks with any of the clubs ahead of the January transfer window, as it would be beneficial to get him off the wage bill as soon as possible.
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