Ward-Prowse made the move to east London in 2023 from Southampton, but he has struggled to make an impact for the Hammers.

The 31-year-old spent the first half of the 2024-2025 campaign on loan with fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest when Nuno was in charge there, but saw his season-long switch terminated early.

He has fallen out of favour since Nuno replaced Graham Potter in September, not making a single appearance under the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss.

"The situation with James is clear from some time ago. I think he is not in the options, and it's for us to find the best solutions for his future," Nuno said.

When further questioned whether Ward-Prowse's future would be playing elsewhere, Nuno responded: "I believe so.

"Meanwhile, he is here, and he is one of us, and we are trying to prepare all of them."

This weekend provides a welcome break for West Ham and its struggles in the Premier League, with Wueens Park Rangers its opponent in the third round of the FA Cup.

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The Hammers were beaten 2-1 by relegation rival Forest in midweek in the league, leaving them seven points adrift of safety after 21 games.

"It is a tough situation that we are in. We are aware, but at the same time, I realise there are 17 games to go. A lot of football to be played," Nuno conceded.

"What we have to do is focus on ourselves, on our day-to-day. Look for that win and that win we need.

"Don't be obsessed about the gap. Try to avoid; if you start looking every time at the table you get more anxious."

West Ham has attempted to combat its current situation by making signings, with January recruits Valentin Castellanos and Pablo making their debuts against Forest.

Nuno expects more activity this month, revealing: "What we have to make sure is the players that join us come with a purpose and come to help.

"Like, I think we saw with Taty [Valentin Castellanos] and Pablo [Felipe], talented more than anything and fighting and trying to help the team," he said.

"We are working hard as a club to try and bring players in. We need to rebalance our squad. It is clear.

"We need to bring players that make us stronger for the fight – that is the main objective as a club. We are here to fight.

"Let's try to focus on ourselves and what we have to do to compete in the 17 games in the league. I believe it is possible."