James Ward-Prowse was in West Ham United squad vs Sunderland because of a space on the bench | OneFootball

James Ward-Prowse’s appearances in a West Ham United matchday squad for the first time under Nuno Espirito Santo last Saturday was not viewed as a U-turn by the manager.

According to the Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg, Ward-Prowse only made the squad because a space on the bench had to be filled after West Ham agreed to let Guido Rodriguez join Valencia.

It was too late to add an academy player to the squad because the Hammers under-21s had played on Friday night.

As a result, Nuno was left with no choice but to include Ward-Prowse in his team. The manager previously fell out with the player during his time at Nottingham Forest.

The Englishman was not in contention to feature against the Black Cats and will now spend the rest of the campaign with Burnley.

Andy Irving has also left, while Lucas Paqueta is set to join Flamengo after West Ham agreed to sell him in a £35.5 million deal.

Tomas Soucek has also been linked with a move to Besiktas, but Nuno is not expected to sanction his exit as he is currently in need of midfield reinforcements.

The Hammers boss has bolstered his attack with the additions of Adama Traore, Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos, and he could look to add another midfielder before next Monday’s transfer deadline.