James Ward-Prowse’s name has been put directly to Scott Parker amid suggestions the West Ham United star is a target for Burnley.
It is of little secret that Ward-Prowse has no future at West Ham United under Nuno Espirito Santo.
The move to sign Ward-Prowse from Southampton in 2023 has not worked out, to say the least.
In the age of set-pieces, why aren’t West Ham making more of James Ward-Prowse?! 👀
He was getting David Beckham comparisons at one point!
While his exile under Nuno has been a nadir in his career, it’s not if the England international has played particularly well when he has been given a chance by previous West Ham managers.
A move away would be best for all parties at this stage, and Burnley have held talks over a deal to sign Ward-Prowse on loan.
Still, Parker was in no mood to discuss it.
Scott Parker confirms Burnley want signings but refuses to discuss James Ward-Prowse
Parker, of course, is a former West Ham captain and is attempting to keep the Clarets in the Premier League.
Burnley are 19th in the Premier League table, three points behind the Hammers and eight adrift of safety.
They play Tottenham on Saturday and Parker was put on the spot during his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
Asked directly about the interest in Ward-Prowse, Parker said: “Well, I think like I’ve said before regarding transfers really, we’re active and we’re trying to do things.
If you could only keep ONE of these two players in January – who would it be?!
“I think I’ll reiterate what I’ve said loads of times, there’s loads of different things that fall into place there. Loads of different variables that we need to make good decisions and the right decisions.
“We don’t want to be adding anyone into this squad that one, can’t be bring quality and help us, character and everything.
“Regarding individuals, it’s not something I’d be quoted on or certainly say. We’re active, we’ll see how the next ten days pan out regarding that really.”
Why West Ham should strengthen a relegation rival by loaning Burnley James Ward-Prowse
It might seem strange that West Ham would actively strengthen a relegation rival in Burnley by loaning them a player.
Still, such has been the way in which it’s played out for him east London, the club don’t have the luxury of ignoring that as a potential outcome.
Ward-Prowse has been a terrible signing for West Ham and the club desperately need him to raise his value somehow.
In a PSR world, they cannot just write off a £30million investment. Clearly, Ward-Prowse won’t command anywhere near that kind of fee, but performing well for a Premier League club would at least put him in the shop window.
West Ham need Ward-Prowse’s next move to go well.
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