Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 15 May 2026 11:55, UK

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Newcastle United will host West Ham United on Sunday in a crucial match for the London club’s Premier League future.

Should the Hammers lose at St James’ Park, Tottenham will have the chance to relegate them when they travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea on Tuesday.

But a win could turn the situation on its head, with three points lifting West Ham out of the drop zone and placing all of the pressure on the Lilywhites to win the London derby.

The Irons’ safety is set to determine the future of several star players this summer, including club captain Jarrod Bowen.

West Ham transfer chiefs will be aware that the 29-year-old is in his prime and far too good for the Championship, and they would be unlikely to stand in his way if he pushed for a move.

Newcastle United keen on Jarrod Bowen

Eddie Howe is reportedly a big fan of Bowen, who would be a great asset for any Premier League team.

Despite all of West Ham’s issues this season, the 29-year-old has scored eight goals and provided 10 assists in his sixth consecutive campaign of hitting double digits in the top flight.

The England international offers guaranteed performances in the Premier League and has always kept faith in West Ham, despite the gradual decline.

Relegation could finally be Bowen’s breaking point, however, with the 29-year-old understandably reluctant to spend his prime years in the Championship.

And with Newcastle set for an influx of cash with the incoming departure of Anthony Gordon, Howe could be the man to provide him with his next step.

For that to happen, the Magpies will need to play their part in sending West Ham down on Sunday at St James’ Park.

Form has been hard to come by for Howe’s team of late, winning just two of their last 10 games across all competitions, but they will be confident after breaking their streak of losses.

What Eddie Howe said on ‘goal threat’ Bowen

Howe is reportedly a long-term fan of Bowen, and could have had his hands on him already had Newcastle gone through with a move for the winger in 2020.

The England international revealed after his move to West Ham that he had been extremely close to joining the Magpies, who backed out of a deal at the last minute over the fee – a decision they would surely come to regret.

Speaking in 2024, Howe, speaking ahead of a clash with the Hammers said: “I think they have got a good squad, they’ve got some really dangerous players, especially in the frontline.

“Obviously, it was interesting watching Jarrod Bowen score for England. He is always a goal threat.

“They’ve got some attacking players that we respect and we are going to have to get our structures right to keep them quiet.”