Jarrod Bowen has been linked with a move to Manchester United
Manchester United's transfer business this summer promises to be pivotal with the club braced for a Champions League return and showing signs under Michael Carrick of being a side capable of challenging at home and abroad.
The Reds have money to spend this summer but spending it wisely has been the challenge for much of the last decade and United's decision-makers know they have to get recruitment right if they want to build on the good work of Carrick over the past four months.
Jarrod Bowen's name has been linked with United plenty since West Ham's relegation from the Premier League but a move for the 29-year-old doesn't feel like smart business.
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Bowen has been a shining light at West Ham for a number of seasons and carries a goal threat, a work-rate and a versatility that makes him an appealing target. Throw in a potential bargain fee following relegation and it's easy to see why plenty feel he would be a signing worth making.
But United have to get their recruitment absolutely spot on this summer, there have been too many woeful decisions to count in the past decade and with other priorities in the squad, a move for Bowen would be misguided. No-one is doubting his ability, he's proven in the Premier League, is an England international and will surely be back in the top-flight next season if he opts to leave the London Stadium. But that shouldn't be at Old Trafford.
He turns 30 this year and will have little to no re-sale value, and his arrival would go against the new-look recruitment strategy at Old Trafford which has a focus on a younger age-profile. United are also well stocked on the right hand side with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad even if the latter has had a testing campaign, and have the likes of Shea Lacey impressing in the academy.
Bowen would certainly be a worthy addition to a squad back in Europe and set to play considerably more games than the meagre 40 they played this season, but central midfield, left back and left midfield are more pressing areas of concern for United.
They are close to striking a £38million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson and hope to follow that with a statement signing in the number six position to replace the departing Casemiro. A succession plan for Luke Shaw at left back needs to be looked at and an option further forward on that flank would also trump any move for Bowen or a right sided forward.
Bowen has been linked with a host of clubs, including Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Liverpool, but he's an option United don't need and shouldn't pursue.