Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui has dealt a killer blow to Newcastle and Spurs’ transfer hopes with a major a West Ham move.
Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur will be looking over their shoulders at West Ham.
The Hammers have had arguably the best summer transfer window in the Premier League so far.
Spurs and Newcastle have both made additions too.
But West Ham have revolutionised their squad with some brilliant signings to add to the quality already in the building like Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta, Edson Alvarez, Alphonse Areola and Jarrod Bowen.
As a result West Ham will be confident of closing the gap on the Magpies and Tottenham.
And their Premier League rivals should be warned because word is West Ham are not done yet.
A top spokesman inside the club has confirmed to Hammers News that West Ham could sign as many as three more players. That’s if three current players deemed surplus to requirements can be moved on.
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Spurs and Newcastle try to destabilise West Ham
Both Tottenham and Newcastle have tried to destabilise West Ham this summer.
West Ham missed out on an £85m pay day when former Newcastle target Paqueta was officially charged by the FA over illegal betting accusations.
That money was said to be essential to West Ham’s summer transfer budget.
But the club’s transfer business has eclipsed rivals like Newcastle and Tottenham – with whom they will be aiming to compete for the European spots.
That has given rise to speculation one of West Ham’s prized assets could be sold this summer instead. Especially against the backdrop of strict PSR rules which have proved so restrictive for mega rich Newcastle.
Last month Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson claimed Newcastle United were confident of signing Bowen from West Ham this summer.
Lopetegui deals killer blow to Newcastle and Spurs’ hopes
Wilson reported that Bowen is Eddie Howe’s number one target for their right-attacking role.
The report claimed a big money move will be sent to West Ham by Newcastle’s Saudi owners ‘later in the transfer window’.
Wilson stated at the time: “There is a belief within the corridors of power at St James’ Park that a deal could be possible.”
West Ham issued an emphatic response to the Bowen to Newcastle talk.
Further doubt was cast over Newcastle’s hopes when Bowen bought a £3m Essex mansion near West Ham’s training ground last month.
That would not close the door on Spurs, though, who have also been heavily linked with Bowen this summer.
A spokesman was also forced to respond to claims West Ham’s top scorer Bowen could join Tottenham.
Now there has been a very significant development.
Julen Lopetegui has dealt a killer blow to Newcastle and Spurs’ transfer hopes with a major West Ham move.
Just as the top spokesman at West Ham has repeatedly told Hammers News in the face of the Newcastle and Tottenham links – Bowen is going nowhere.
Because Lopetegui has now officially named Bowen West Ham’s new club captain.
Captain Bowen reiterates he wants to retire at West Ham
The England man already stated he wants to retire at West Ham when signing a new seven-year deal last season.
Now West Ham’s new head coach has put paid to any chance of Bowen joining rivals Tottenham or the Newcastle United by making him skipper.
Bowen officially replaces outgoing Kurt Zouma.
The Hammers talisman says he is proud to be named captain and has also taken the opportunity to restate his intention to retire at West Ham.
“Since I’ve been here it’s just been an upward trajectory in what we’ve done on the pitch, what I’ve done off the pitch,” Bowen told the club’s website.
“To get to this moment is another statement of love I have for this club, along with when I signed my new deal last year.
“I said then that I want to stay here for the rest of my life and I haven’t come off that page. If I can go down as a legend here in years to come, that would be great.”
You can never say never in football. And every player has their price.
But it is now unequivocally clear – if it wasn’t already – Newcastle and Spurs can forget about Bowen and will have to look elsewhere.
If that doesn’t make this a 10/10 window for West Ham then nothing else will.