Gareth Southgate’s comments have stirred the pot amid Liverpool’s interest in West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen.
The world and its wife knows Jurgen Klopp is keen to bring brilliant West Ham ace Bowen to Liverpool.
If the endless media reports all season hadn’t made that clear the big German did himself by admitting he loves the ‘unbelievable’ attacker and is following his career closely.
While most managers do not comment on players from other clubs – particularly when speculation is rife surrounding a potential transfer – Klopp’s comments about the West Ham star were seen as a ‘charm offensive’ back in March (The Mirror).
Hammers boss David Moyes was even asked if Klopp had angered him with his comments and actions as he went over to Bowen to console the West Ham forward when he came off injured against Liverpool at Anfield (Football.London).
Moyes defended the Liverpool boss, insisting it was just a show of sportsmanship and revealed Klopp had been complimentary about several West Ham players. not just Bowen.
With Mohamed Salah’s long-term future uncertain, though, many pundits and fans have suggested Bowen – a left-footed attacker playing on the right and producing figures to rival those of the Egyptian – could be the perfect replacement.
Anyone who knows their football is aware of the Bowen to Liverpool links.
So it is fair to assume England manager Gareth Southgate is too.
There are suggestions Southgate very much encourages his players to be playing Champions League football or at clubs who are challenging to play in Europe’s elite competition.
So comments from England boss Southgate have stirred the pot amid Liverpool interest in West Ham star Bowen.
Southgate finally handed West Ham’s star attacker his first England call-up for the Nations League matches.
Speaking about how he sees the West Ham star fitting into the England side, Southgate made comments about Bowen and Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold that will undoubtedly prick Klopp’s ears and have Moyes wincing.
“We want him (Bowen) to make those runs from outside to in that he does (for West Ham),” Southgate told England’s media team.
“To get in behind their defence. It’s helpful that he can play wider.
“So Trent can play inside at times which is what he does for his club too.”
If Klopp wasn’t convinced before then Southgate’s comments might just make his mind up.
Southgate makes a salient point of course.
But highlighting just how perfectly suited Bowen and Alexander-Arnold are in the same team will be a worry for West Ham.
Let’s hope the Hammers can get Bowen tied down to a long-term deal as soon as possible to fend off any interest from Liverpool.