James Ward-Prowse decides on Crystal Palace transfer after late move for West Ham ace

West Ham United midfielder James Ward-Prowse opted against joining Everton in a last-minute switch, according to Give Me Sport.

The news outlet reported online (30 August) that Ward-Prowse is poised to join Nottingham Forest despite having the opportunity to sign for Everton or Southampton on deadline day.

Ward-Prowse is on course to be announced as a brand-new loan signing at the City Ground on Friday (30 August).

West Ham gave the 29-year-old the option to pick between Everton, Southampton and Forest.

West Ham United midfielder James Ward-Prowse turns down transfer to Everton

It is perhaps slightly surprising to discover that Ward-Prowse picked a move to Forest over Southampton.

The Englishman was clearly not moved by the chance to make an emotional return to his former club. However, supporters at Goodison Park probably won’t be surprised to learn that the midfielder wasn’t interested in signing for the Toffees.

Everton have made a dismal start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, and have been littered with problems on and off the field over the past year.

Therefore, convincing Ward-Prowse to sign for the club might have proven difficult.

While Nottingham Forest could also end up in a relegation battle alongside the Toffees, they currently look much better placed to fight it.

This will come as a blow to Sean Dyche. Bringing in a player of Ward-Prowse’s quality and experience on deadline day would have been huge for Everton.

However, in the end, it wasn’t to be.

In other Everton news, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s deadline-day situation has emerged.