Liverpool are said to have identified West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen as an alternative to Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
The Reds are set to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Sunday, and a victory would mean that Arne Slot‘s side would need just three more wins to confirm their status as champions.
However, despite the Merseysiders’ success this season, there are concerns about the sustainability of their attack, particularly given the likes of Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota have struggled.
While the club have often been linked with a move for Newcastle’s Isak as a means of upgrading in attack, the Swede reportedly has an asking price significantly in excess of £100m.
With the Toon asking for such a substantial amount, Football Insider claim that Liverpool could instead pivot to West Ham’s Bowen, though they also report that the Englishman is happy at the Hammers.
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Bowen in profile
The 28-year-old’s team have endured a difficult season in London, with the Irons sacking manager Julen Lopetegui in January and appointing Graham Potter in the same month.
Despite the struggle of his teammates, Bowen has continued to shine at the London stadium having scored eight league goals and registered five assists, the most of any West Ham player in either category.
His numbers fall short of the 16 goals and six assists he managed last term in the top flight, but his side are currently in 15th place, whereas they finished ninth the season before.
It should also be noted that Bowen has operated as both a central striker and out wide, and his versatility could be particularly useful to Slot given he has used the likes of Luis Diaz across the frontline.
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Who should the Reds sign up front?
Liverpool have generally tried to avoid signing players approaching their thirties and instead looked to target younger profiles capable scaling their output at Anfield.
Given that Bowen is arguably already in his prime years, he may not have much room for improvement at a club hoping to win the Premier League and Champions League.
If Isak is deemed too expensive, perhaps Liverpool could target Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who is only 22 and is said to be available for £40m should his team be relegated to the Championship.
