Bowen to Liverpool transfer on the cards, Salah news could cause West Ham exit

West Ham star Jarrod Bowen could join Liverpool if Mohamed Salah leaves, according to The Athletic journalist Roshane Thomas.

The Reds star is yet to sign a new contract with the Merseyside club and could depart Anfield in the summer if the two parties cannot agree on a deal. [Daily Mirror, 26 December]

Meanwhile, Bowen has been a shining light in a poor Irons side so far this campaign, almost singlehandedly keeping Julen Lopetegui in a job.

Thomas revealed that while Arne Slot's side have never made a formal enquiry about the Hammers ace in the past, they could revive their interest if the Egyptian does depart.

West Ham cannot afford to lose Bowen

The Irons cannot afford to lose the 28-year-old as he is their best player by a country mile and their top goalscorer and assist provider in the league.

The England international has scored five goals and notched four assists in 18 Premier League matches so far this season for Lopetegui's side.

He was on hand to tap home the winner from Niclas Fullkrug's flick-on in the Boxing Day victory over relegation strugglers Southampton (26 December).

He has previously spoken of his desire to retire at the London Stadium, as per the Athletic report, therefore it is hard to imagine him pushing for an exit.

However, footballers want to win the highest honours and joining the Reds would allow him to compete for domestic and Champions League titles.

The Hammers must do absolutely everything they can to keep their star man, it would be a devastating blow to lose him.

In other West Ham news, a former FIFA referee has had his say on a VAR incident from the win over Southampton.

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