Everton must tread carefully with Jarrod Bowen pursuit, it could leave David Moyes with horrible choice
Everton must proceed with caution when it comes to their interest in West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen this summer.
The winger was one of David Moyes' most trusted men during their time together at the London Stadium, after the Scot gave the former Hull City man the chance to impress in the Premier League by plucking him from the Championship.
The 29-year-old became an England international and a genuine top-flight star under Moyes' guidance, and provided the crowning moment of his reign with a last-minute winner to secure UEFA Conference League glory.
With that in mind, it is no real surprise that the Toffees are looking to reunite the pair this summer amid the Hammers' ongoing relegation battle, but the Merseysiders' pursuit may not be quite as simple as it seems.
Everton want to strengthen their hand again in the coming months, but they are set to be left with difficult choices between several of their key targets.
Jarrod Bowen swoop would put Jack Grealish return in major doubt
Football Insider revealed last week that Everton will not be able to sign all three of their top targets this summer, with moves for all of Jack Grealish, John Stones and Ben White not viable financially.
The Toffees were clear that their pursuit of Grealish was the top priority from that list, but news of their interest in Bowen could now cast that into serious doubt.
| Stats (per 90) | Grealish | Bowen |
| Apps (Starts) | 20 (18) | 36 (36) |
| G + A | 0.44 | 0.5 |
| Chances Created | 2.1 | 1.2 |
| Successful Dribbles | 1.27 | 1.45 |
| Shots on Target | 0.44 | 0.73 |
| Duels Won | 5.85 | 4.88 |
The former's loan move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium has been a match made in heaven this season, with the Manchester City star thriving under Moyes' guidance before an injury ended his campaign.
Grealish appears to have fallen in love with Everton, while the supporters are desperate to see him in their colours again next term, in whatever capacity.
If Everton's interest in Bowen progresses to something more concrete in the coming weeks, then Moyes is set to be left with something of a horrible choice.
It is highly unlikely that Everton would be able to shoulder the wage demands of both Bowen and Grealish next term, and keep the duo happy alongside Iliman Ndiaye in terms of gametime.
With that in mind, it may ultimately present Moyes with a decision between his former talisman and one of his current go-to men.
Everton need cards to fall into place for Bowen deal
Former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider back in April that Chelsea and Liverpool are both chasing Bowen this summer, but the West Ham star is keen to stay put if his team stay up.
That remains a possibility, with Nuno Espirito Santo's men needing to flip two points on Tottenham in their final two league games to secure survival.
If the Hammers do go down, then Liverpool will surely be in the box seat to secure Bowen's services this summer, given that they are the only one of the current interested parties that will be capable of offering Champions League football.
With those things considered, Everton will likely need plenty of cards to fall into place if they are to have a genuine chance of landing Bowen this summer, including for their rivals to cool their interest.
A move for Grealish is surely a better option for them as a result, especially considering it would likely require a much smaller transfer fee.