West Ham must now draw clear Jarrod Bowen line after Mateus Fernandes exit

West Ham United are reaping the financial rewards despite their relegation to the Championship.

On Thursday, Tottenham confirmed the signing of midfielder Mateus Fernandes for £85million, after an impressive season for the Hammers.

The midfielder joined for £38m from Southampton last summer, with the Irons making almost double in his sale a year later.

Alongside this, Crysencio Summerville is next in line for a big move, after an equally strong season, and fantastic World Cup showing.

But, West Ham mustn't leave themselves short for the Championship, as they try to cover the loss of Premier League revenues.

To ensure this, they now have to draw a clear line with Jarrod Bowen, and sort out the situation involving their captain.

What is the latest on Jarrod Bowen amid Championship preparation?

In recent weeks, The Athletic reported that Aston Villa are interested in the Hammers skipper, as they prepare for their Champions League return.

At 29, not many West Ham fans would begrudge Bowen of a move to Villa Park, given that there is no real rivalry.

But, the mood is starting to get better around his situation, with the season drawing closer.

As such, there are genuine hopes that he could stay - intensified by his appearance in the kit reveal.

Ahead of the summer, the financial concerns pointed in the direction of over £100m being required before the Irons could begin their second tier preparations.

With Fernandes gone, and Summerville soon to be, these issues are set to be solved sooner rather than later.

Thanks to this, Bowen can become a legitimate part of the plans, but he must be convinced by what is on offer.

What can West Ham offer to Jarrod Bowen?

When it comes to what West Ham can give to Bowen, this is not about a contract, nor is it about money.

At this stage of his career, he will need to see the ambition.

With Nuno Espirito Santo remaining at the helm, the Hammers have a boss who has walked the Championship before, after serious backing at Wolves.

If he gets anything like that at the London Stadium, West Ham will be the instant favourites.

For Bowen, this may mean a promised exit next summer should they not go up, or a January escape route should promotion be out of the question.

But for now, the signs are positive. Taty Castellanos looks like he could be staying, Tomas Soucek is, and the East Londoners can finally begin their recruitment for the new term.

Bowen is already a West Ham legend - one more year would see him rise even further in the ranks, and this could be on the cards now that the dust is finally beginning to settle at the London Stadium.