West Ham sent loan update on 'quality' star signed by David Moyes

West Ham have been told not to expect midfielder James Ward-Prowse back at the London Stadium in January with Nottingham Forest determined to make it work out with their loanee before the end of the campaign.

The former Southampton man joined the Premier League rivals on a season-long loan deal at the end of August but has played only a small part in Forest's remarkable campaign so far. The 30-year-old has struggled for minutes, making just five starts in the top flight so far.

It had been mooted that Ward-Prowse's loan at the City Ground could be terminated early come January with the midfielder not a large part of Nuno Espirito Santo's plans. Forest currently sit second in the Premier League and are chasing European football.

That surprise shift in ambitions has led to rumours that the club could invest further in January to ensure a strong first half of the campaign continues. For players to arrive, some will have to leave, and it had been thought that Ward-Prowse could be sent back to West Ham.

However, The Athletic reports that the former Southampton playmaker has had a key influence in the side's form off the pitch and that there are no plans to terminate the loan move.

It's unlikely that any termination would see Ward-Prowse ushered into Lopetegui's system at the London Stadium with summer signings Carlos Soler and Guido Rodriguez beginning to find their feet in the league. The Hammers' January priorities are believed to be in adding forward options to their side.

David Moyes signed ‘quality’ midfielder for West Ham

Ward-Prowse was signed for West Ham by David Moyes in August 2023 in the window that saw Declan Rice head across the capital to Arsenal for £100 million. He made 37 Premier League appearances last season, scoring seven goals and picking up seven assists under the Scotsman's management.

The player arrived from Southampton following the Saints' relegation for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £30 million, and put pen to paper on a deal until 2027. Speaking at the time, Moyes said: “I’m delighted to bring a player of James’ quality and experience to West Ham United.

“He's performed to a very high level in the Premier League over the last decade, constantly producing good numbers season after season. His leadership qualities are obviously another huge plus for us – he’ll be a big voice for us, someone who drives the team on from the middle of the pitch.

“We’re excited to get him up and running, for what will be another busy season on both the domestic and European front.”