Former West Ham coach Stuart Pearce has ruled out Jarrod Bowen wanting to leave the club despite their current struggles.

• Bowen one of West Ham's few positives
• Forward backed to stay at Hammers
• Ex-coach gives season prediction

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Following West Ham's 3-0 loss to newly promoted Sunderland last weekend, many fans are feeling pessimistic about the new Premier League season. But former England international Pearce believes there is very little danger of talisman Bowen leaving the club and he thinks Graham Potter's team will avoid relegation. 

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  WHAT PEARCE SAID

  He told BestBettingSites.co.uk: "Can I see Bowen moving on if West Ham struggle? Absolutely not. No, no. I think they'll move heaven and earth to make sure Jarrod stays at the club. I think the detrimental effect that would have on the supporters would be absolutely immense, so I can’t see it happening. Out of all the players, anyone moving on, if they had offers for him, Jarrod wouldn't be one they'd be interested in letting go. I'll be very surprised. I think that he wants to stay, too. I’ve never had a different impression, from the day he came to the football club. He's a very level young man, fantastic kid. And it would surprise me greatly if he wanted to leave the club. But he's not that way inclined, I don't think. I think he enjoys playing for West Ham United.

  "Obviously, I've got an affection for West Ham United and I want them to stay in the Premier League. I think the squad of players is too good to be involved in a relegation campaign. But all it probably takes is one or two of the promoted teams to do particularly well this year and avoid relegation. All of a sudden, somebody else is in trouble. I think West Ham will finish just under halfway in the division. That's how I see them finishing this year. But, the difference between halfway and a relegation battle will depend on how the promoted teams fare this year."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bowen has become a club legend at West Ham, something that was rubber-stamped by his winner in the Conference League final in 2023. The 28-year-old has hit double figures for goals in his past four seasons at the Hammers but if they continue to struggle, a rival suitor may put a bid in for him. Either way, they can't afford to lose him right now.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  West Ham will hope they can bounce back from their opening day drubbing when they host London rivals Chelsea in their next Premier League encounter on Friday night. If they do win, Bowen is likely to have played a key role in that.