Burnley seal Ward-Prowse loan from West Ham before Sunderland trip | OneFootball

Burnley have strengthened ahead of Monday’s trip to Sunderland by signing James Ward-Prowse on loan from West Ham until the end of the season. Scott Parker’s side are second bottom and 10 points from safety.

The 31-year-old brings extensive Premier League know-how after more than 400 appearances for Southampton and West Ham. His set-piece delivery and leadership arrive for a team chasing consistency.

Ward-Prowse said joining Burnley felt a straightforward call after speaking to the manager, adding that he is pleased to be on board. He spoke of relishing the battle to come and of giving everything in a Burnley shirt.

The deal followed a drawn-out start to the window, with earlier discussions failing to yield an agreement. Talks restarted this week, a medical was completed, and the move was then finalised. He is Burnley’s first January addition.

The timing adds intrigue before the Stadium of Light meeting, and Burnley have bolstered a midfield that has lacked control and composure at times. It remains to be seen whether he features on Wearside.

West Ham had told Ward-Prowse he was not part of their long-term plans. He has yet to play under Nuno Espírito Santo, though he was on the bench for a recent 3-1 win over Sunderland.

Source: Sunderland Echo