David Ornstein says West Ham have made first deadline day decision as second bid 'considered' after terms agreed
The latest West Ham United transfer news and rumours on deadline day
West Ham United have a busy day ahead as they look to get transfer deals done before the 11pm deadline while they are also in Premier League action against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Hammers look set to complete a deal for Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson as the Republic of Ireland international reunites with the manager who gave him his professional debut. West Ham are not set to stop their business there, however, as they look to make further additions to their squad before the window shuts.
Ward-Prowse returning
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, James Ward-Prowse is set to end his loan early with Nottingham Forest and return to West Ham. The former Southampton player had joined the City Ground outfit for the season but the clubs have now agreed to cut the move short with Potter keen to use Ward-Prowse at the London Stadium.
The central midfielder joined West Ham from Southampton for £30m in the summer of 2023 and made his debut in a 3-1 win over Chelsea, as he provided two assists in the game. Ward-Prowse has started just five games for Forest in the Premier League while coming off the bench in another five. Since the end of November, he has been restricted to three late appearances as a substitute. He was not in the squad as Forest hammered Potter’s old club Brighton 7-0 on Saturday afternoon. After he joined Forest, manager Nuno Espírito Santo said: “He is different. He has experience, quality, talent and knowledge of the game. I honestly think he can help us a lot.
“Both of them have adapted well to the group and the group has received them very well. They are totally integrated, enjoying their football and preparing themselves for the chance when it comes. In terms of their adaptation, it has gone really well. It is easier for James, of course. Like all the players who have joined us, the squad has received them really well.”
Bid made for Celtic striker
West Ham have had a bid of £500,000 turned down by Celtic for Daniel Cummings, according to Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports. Cummings has already agreed terms on a pre-contract at the London Stadium but the Irons appear keen to bring his move forward. The player has netted 24 times in 25 games for Celtic’s youth side and made his first-team debut in the Champions League last week as Aston Villa beat Celtic 4-2 in Birmingham.
The clubs are continuing to hold talks and West Ham are considering coming back to the Scottish champions with an improved offer. Potter has hinted that West Ham are open to transfer business ahead of the deadline. He said ahead of the trip to Chelsea: “The Club, the board and the Chairman have been fantastic, and really supportive. They want to help, and if anything it’s me and my team trying to find the right players. We’re all aligned, but I want to make the right decisions for this Club.
“Signing a player is easy - there are so many agents pushing players left, right and centre. But signing the right one, for the right price, who fits how you want to play, who fits into the group - that’s difficult. If we find the right player, we’ll absolutely do something, because the ambition is there to do it and the support is there to do it. But at the same time, I have to be true to myself, true to the team and the Club, and make sure it’s the right player, because if not it can cause problems in the short, medium and long term. It’s a complicated window, as I’ve said before, and I’m not going to speak about anyone who isn’t a West Ham player.”