‘Be realistic’ – Exclusive: Danny Mills reacts after complicated West Ham talks reported
Danny Mills says new West Ham signing Jarrod Bowen was right to try and “protect” himself when it came to negotiating a move with the Irons.
The former Leeds United and England full-back, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, says that the 23-year-old deserves to be rewarded for his form at Hull and that he was right to stand firm in contract talks.
As revealed exclusively by Football Insider in January, the Hammers beat Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Newcastle United to his capture after both had tabled offers for his capture.
However, the Guardian report that negotiations were complicated, with Bowen rejecting a contract with a 50% relegation pay-cut clause before agreeing to a deal which includes a £20million release clause if they do suffer the drop.
Speaking about the winger’s talks with the Irons, Mills told Football Insider: “You’ve got to protect yourself as a player, you’re moving, you’re going to a big club in the Premier League, they’ve got parachute money (upon relegation). Why shouldn’t he be rewarded for that?
“You’ve got to accept if you do get relegated there will always be a differential in wages, a slight cut, but that has to be realistic.
“There will have been a little negotiation over that, I’m sure West Ham will say we’ll give you massive wages now but if we go down this is what it gets cut to.”
Bowen was one of the standout performers in the Championship prior to his move to east London, with 52 goals in 117 second-tier appearances.
He has continued to dazzle this season, netting 17 times across all competitions before sealing his Premier League switch.
In other West Ham news, it can be REVEALED the club are plotting to sell an £18million signing for a significant loss.