Crystal Palace are preparing a £50m bid for West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen as they consider the England international as a replacement for Ismaila Sarr.
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Bowen, 29, remained with West Ham despite their relegation to the Championship and recently signed a new contract with the club. However, Palace are prepared to test the Hammers’ resolve as they look to strengthen their attack.
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Palace target Bowen as Sarr nears exit
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Palace are expecting Sarr to leave the club, with Galatasaray pushing to complete a £34m deal for the Senegal winger.
Sarr was left out of Palace’s opening-day defeat by Everton as he continues to attract interest from the Turkish side. The 28-year-old reportedly wants to move in search of Champions League football.
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Sarr scored 21 goals in all competitions last season and played an important role in Palace’s successful Conference League campaign.
Palace manager Pierre Sage is therefore keen to find a suitable replacement, with Bowen emerging as the club’s preferred target.
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West Ham face Bowen dilemma
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A move for Bowen would represent a major blow for West Ham, who are struggling to adapt to life in the Championship.
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The Hammers are yet to win in the second tier and suffered a 2-1 home defeat by Charlton in their latest fixture. Taty Castellanos missed a stoppage-time penalty in the game, while supporters questioned why Bowen had not taken the spot-kick.
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West Ham’s financial difficulties could increase the pressure to consider Palace’s proposal, although selling their captain would risk further angering an already frustrated fanbase.
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Bowen scored 11 goals in all competitions last season as West Ham were relegated on the final day of the campaign.
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Palace previously came close to signing the winger in January 2020, when they were competing with West Ham for his signature after his impressive spell at Hull City.
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West Ham eventually won that race for £22m.
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Palace will now hope their proposed £50m offer can convince the Hammers to reconsider their stance, although Bowen’s recent contract extension means negotiations are unlikely to be straightforward.
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