Relegation-threatened Premier League club Burnley will reportedly not sign 31-year-old English midfielder James Ward-Prowse from West Ham United this month.

According to a report by Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, James Ward-Prowse is no longer the subject of interest from Burnley. The Clarets are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the winter transfer window. So, the 31-year-old West Ham United misfit has emerged as a target for the relegation-threatened Premier League club.

Widespread reports have revealed that the Englishman has no future at West Ham United, as Nuno Espirito Santo has no plans for him. Additionally, the Portuguese tactician has reportedly banished Ward-Prowse from first-team training, and he has spoken about his non-existent future at the London Stadium. However, a move to Turf Moor is not on the cards for the former Southampton captain.

How has James Ward-Prowse fared at West Ham United?

James Ward-Prowse has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining West Ham United from Southampton in a deal worth £30 million in August 2023. The 31-year-old arrived at the London Stadium after spending two decades with the Saints and being a talismanic figure for their first team. However, he has been in and out of the starting lineup during his spell with the East London outfit.

The English midfielder has managed only 506 minutes of game time in six appearances thus far for West Ham in the 2025/26 season, with Nuno Espirito Santo not using him even once since replacing Graham Potter. So, it is clear that Ward-Prowse has no future at the East London club. The situation has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, with recent reports linking him with Burnley.

Move across the Premier League on the cards?

Burnley’s interest in James Ward-Prowse was understandable. The Clarets have been combing the market for players who can help them avoid relegation from the Premier League. While Burnley signed Florentino Luis and Lesley Ugochukwu this past summer, Scott Parker wants more quality in the middle of the park.

Ward-Prowse thus emerged as a viable target for Burnley, and they held talks to sign him from West Ham in the winter transfer window. With widespread reports suggesting the 31-year-old Englishman has been working on his departure from the London Stadium, a move to Turf Moor may have been on the cards.

However, talks between Burnley and West Ham have collapsed, and the Clarets are “no longer pursuing a deal” for the winter transfer window. With Ward-Prowse having no future at the East London club, it will be interesting to see if the experienced English midfielder leaves in the coming week.