West Ham News: C&H

Picking a fight with former Arsenal Manager Arene Wenger is fine by us. The Hammers vice-chairman Karren Brady has defended Spurs and Manchester United’s positions in a caustically – worded article in her weekly Sun column. This came last Friday after Wenger suggested neither of the two English sides deserved to be in the Champions League next season (as is the right of whichever prevails in the up and coming Europa League final.)

Reported in Spurs-Web.com ( yes, I admit I don’t normally read the Sun), it appears that :

“Karren Brady has emerged as an unlikely defender of Tottenham Hotspur after Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger suggested that the Lilywhites do not deserve a place in next season’s Champions League.”

Even though the two clubs who could qualify for the top competition in Europe are indeed Spuds and Manure, having fought their way to the final through abominable league form (probably partly created by playing twice every week owing to the demands of the Europa League) the winners surely earn their Champions League spot and the huge cash reward that goes with it.

Two weeks ago, former Gunners manager ‘whingeing’ Wenger suggested neither were good enough for the Champions League.

Brady is quite right – imagine if the Hammers had triumphed in the Europa League a couple of years ago only to face the same snooty comments from the insufferable Wenger about not being good enough for the Champions League. Sorry Arse, rules is rules.

In any case, watching either of those two awful Premier League sides get battered into an early exit from next year’s Champions League group stages would be something to look forward to whilst the Irons have spectacularly failed to land European football again.

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen is a transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur, as confirmed by TBR Football today.

Claret & Hugh reported the Spurs interest on Tuesday, and it now appears to be gaining traction as the North Londoners look to put a poor season behind them.

Much like West Ham, Tottenham are planning a major summer overhaul, with chairman Daniel Levy under severe scrutiny following a disappointing campaign. Head coach Ange Postecoglou’s demeanour has shifted from cheeky chappie to visibly depressed, as Spurs have struggled near the foot of the table.

That said, they’ve still been better than West Ham and have targeted Bowen as a potential signing who can make the difference.

However, they’re probably better off looking elsewhere — because while almost every player at the London Stadium is available for sale, Bowen isn’t one of them.

Speaking to a top source this morning, C&H were told Spurs or anyone else had “No chance” of signing the Hammers captain. We were also reminded that Bowen is only 18 months into a seven-year deal — and, in any case, “Tottenham or anyone else couldn’t afford him.”

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen is a transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur, Claret & Hugh have discovered.

The Hammers’ top scorer has remained a consistent threat in front of goal despite a tough campaign for the club.

Bowen has five years remaining on the seven-year deal he signed with West Ham and has shown no desire to push for a move. After scoring the winner in the Europa Conference League final, he’s already cemented his place as a modern-day club legend. Now settled in Essex with partner Dani Dyer, daughter of celebrity Hammers fan Danny Dyer, Bowen’s off-the-pitch life appears peachy.

However, West Ham’s struggles haven’t gone unnoticed by rival clubs further up the table, and there’s growing speculation that big clubs (and Spurs) may look to poach the Hammers’ best talent.

Newcastle United are one such club, and when Claret & Hugh put the rumour to a trusted football insider, the response was eye-opening:

“They would be interested, but so are a lot of clubs.

Bowen seems dedicated to West Ham, but if he sees Paquetá and Kudus leave without anyone decent coming in, maybe he’d be tempted?

West Ham might struggle again next season—and a lot of players could want out.”

Then came the bombshell:

“I think Spurs are interested and will make changes in the summer.”

Whilst I was quick to point out that Bowen to Spurs borders on heresy, and I personally don’t believe it would happen, the Newcastle links are more concerning.

The Magpies are a club on the rise, and with West Ham needing a serious rebuild, Bowen’s loyalty might not be enough to keep him at the club long-term.

In short, the Hammers may need more than just sentiment and the in-laws to fend off growing summer interest.