West Ham's chances of keeping hold of Jarrod Bowen have received a boost as a major behind-the-scenes claim has emerged this week...

What's the word?

Earlier in the week, the Independent reported that the Irons' Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur were one of several clubs monitoring the 24-year-old winger ahead of a possible transfer in the future.

Meanwhile, a move away from the London Stadium for Bowen is something which has been touted by former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, who told Football Insider:

"No disrespect to West Ham but I’m sure another move, if he carries on going the way he’s going, to a bigger club could come."

However, the chances of that being Spurs are rather slim.

According to Lilywhites insider John Wenham, the Irons would not entertain a single bid from their local rivals for a player of Bowen's quality.

"Tottenham and West Ham don’t do business. There is no love lost between the two clubs at boardroom level," he revealed to Football Insider.

"I don’t see West Ham entertaining any bids for Bowen from Tottenham, that one is a non-starter. Tottenham may be interested in him but some clubs just don’t do business.

"I would categorically rule that one out now. Even if West Ham said he was available they would turn down an approach from Tottenham.

"From what I’ve heard from people I know in the industry, I just can’t see that one happening."

Zero chance

This should come as a massive boost to David Moyes and West Ham as it means they have a greater chance of keeping one of their standout performers in east London.

Bowen may not have gotten off the mark so far this campaign but the former Hull City dynamo, whose former boss Grant McCann dubbed "unplayable", currently rates as the Hammers' second-best performer in the Premier League (7.52) behind Michail Antonio (7.84), via WhoScored.

He is also one of their most creative options, averaging a squad-high 2.4 key passes and three dribbles per outing.

Since his £22m move from the Tigers in January 2020, the uncapped Englishman has delivered nine goals and 11 assists across 60 appearances, averaging a direct contribution every 205 minutes - a little over once every two matches, which is rather respectable for a right winger.

On the above evidence, he's crucial to Moyes and West Ham.

Wenham's claim that there appears to be absolutely no chance he becomes a Spurs player is certainly going to delight many supporters around the London Stadium.

AND in other news, Moyes could find West Ham's next Tevez in Jan swoop for "magical" £18m-rated marksman...