West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen has said he wants to stay with the club following their relegation from the Premier League, despite interest from several top-flight rivals. The forward's comments matter because they suggest West Ham can retain a key player through the disruption of relegation, even as the club sells other assets to balance its finances, and as speculation mounted over a potential reunion with the England setup elsewhere.

Bowen, 29, held talks with West Ham's largest shareholder, Daniel Křetínský, and board member Jiri Svarc in Prague over the summer, and said their ambition for the club convinced him to commit further, despite holding a contract until 2030. Aston Villa, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea have all reportedly monitored his situation, but staying will likely end any prospect of an England recall under Thomas Tuchel. West Ham have already raised £85m from Tottenham for Matheus Fernandes, and are expected to sell Crysencio Summerville, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo to fund a promotion push back to the Premier League.