'Depends on your daughter!' - Julen Lopetegui responds to Danny Dyer demanding he build West Ham team around Jarrod Bowen as he calls on former EastEnders actor to 'push' England star's fiancée Dani

West Ham are currently gearing up for their first Premier League season under Lopetegui after the former Real Madrid manager took over from David Moyes in the summer. Ahead of the new campaign, Danny Dyer has urged Lopetegui to build the team around his daughter's fiance Jarrod Bowen. The 27-year-old was West Ham's top scorer last season, netting 16 goals and six assists to book himself a spot in England's squad for Euro 2024.

Lopetegui has now responded to Dyer via Sky Sports, but says both men have work to do if they are to get the best out of Bowen this season: "I love you too! Danny, for sure, and you and me, both, we are responsible about Jarrod's performance. Depends on your daughter! So I have to push Jarrod and you have to push your daughter. Are you agreeing with me? Come on!"

West Ham fans will be hoping Lopetegui can bring a fresh approach to the club in the new season and an attractive style of play. The Hammers have already brought in a host of players to strengthen the squad with Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug and Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka joining the likes of Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Wes Foderingham and Luis Guilherme in making the move to east London.

Bowen was on target in West Ham's final pre-season friendly against Betis and will hope to continue that form when the team kick off their new Premier League campaign on Saturday against Aston Villa.