Transfer gossip: Burnley linked with loan swoop for 11-cap England international
West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse is a reported target for Burnley this month.
The Clarets are said to be mulling over a potential loan deal for the 31-year-old, who is currently out of favour at the London Stadium.
Burnley are known to be in the market for a central midfielder following the ACL injury sustained by skipper Josh Cullen, which is expected to keep him out of action for around nine months.
Scott Parker has recently suggested his side could also benefit from some added experience and know-how – and Ward-Prowse certainly fits the bill.
The 31-year-old has 409 Premier League appearances to his name for Southampton, West Ham and Nottingham Forest.
Capped 11 times by England, scoring twice, Ward-Prowse moved to East London from St Mary’s for a £30m fee in 2023.
The dead-ball specialist has only made six appearances in all competitions this season, however, with his last outing coming back in September.
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He’s not part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans at West Ham and is said to train regularly on his own. He also had his loan at Forest cut short last season when Espirito Santo was also in charge.
“It’s just decisions and I’ve been honest with all the players,” he recently said of Ward-Prowse’s situation.
“All the players are committed and working hard. It’s not an easy situation, but believe me, making the squad and deciding is tough.
“But we decide for the best. He’s been very professional and very good.”
Sky Sports and The Sun are both reporting that Burnley are willing to offer him a way out with a potential loan move, although it’s said they’re yet to make an official approach.
It remains to be seen, however, whether the Hammers would be willing to sanction such a move to a relegation rival.
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