West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse has “said his goodbyes” to his teammates before leaving the London Stadium on loan, according to ExWHUEmployee.

Writing on the West Ham Way Patreon (quotes via their website), Ex said that the 29-year-old had a choice between two clubs but it appears as if he’s joining Nottingham Forest:

“It has been said that he has said his goodbyes to the players and let the training ground this morning to complete his move. He has two offers that he was seriously considering.”

“Nottingham Forest though appear to have won the race for his signature, with a season-long loan expected to be the agreement.”

Why has Ward-Prowse been let go?

The Hammers paid Southampton £30m for the midfielder just twelve months ago but he has been deemed surplus to requirements by head coach Julen Lopetegui.

Ward-Prowse played 60 minutes in the 1-0 win over Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night but he was an unused substitute in the league fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend.

The likes of Tomas Soucek, Edson Alvarez and summer signing Guido Rodriguez are already ahead of the England international in the pecking order.

His exit paves the way for a new arrival at West Ham

It is believed that Ward-Prowse’s departure was dependent on a deal being agreed for Paris Saint-Germain’s Carlos Soler. Earlier on Friday, it was confirmed that the Spanish international will make the move to the London Stadium.

He will undergo a medical before joining the Irons on loan. It has been reported that there is a purchase clause in the agreement which means that West Ham can sign him for €20m (£17m) next summer.

It is not believed that Nottingham Forest have a similar option to buy in their loan deal for Ward-Prowse.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here