Newcastle United have reportedly identified West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen as a potential summer transfer target.
The Magpies are currently bidding to earn a place in next season's Champions League, their chances having been boosted by a return to form in recent weeks.
Eddie Howe's side have prevailed in four matches in succession, beating Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and West Ham United respectively.
However, it took a five-goal blitz of the latter to move Newcastle up to 46 goals for the season, just the sixth-best return in the top flight.
Howe has sometimes had to manage the fitness of his attacking players with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak all spending time out of the team at certain stages this campaign.
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Although Howe boosted his options with the addition of Anthony Gordon in January, that is unlikely to stop him scouring the market for further offensive signings later in 2023.
According to talkSPORT, the North-East outfit may be prepared to make a big-money bid for Bowen ahead of 2023-24.
Since moving to the London Stadium in January 2020, Bowen has proven to be an invaluable player to the Hammers, his form leading to recognition with England.
The 26-year-old has contributed 37 goals and 27 assists from 143 appearances in all competitions, establishing himself as a key man under David Moyes.
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West Ham remain in a strong position with regards to his future, the playmaker possessing a contract with the East Londoners until 2025.
Nevertheless, Bowen is likely to only consider a renewal if West Ham retain their Premier League status and maintain their participation in Europe.
The latter will only be achieved this season if the club win the Europa Conference League, although other factors may come into the equation if West Ham are to consider a sale.
There is currently uncertainty over the future of Moyes, while the club's hierarchy may be against selling Bowen and Declan Rice during the same transfer window.
Darren Plant
