'He can bring the money!' - Jurgen Klopp told to pay up for Jarrod Bowen amid Liverpool links with West Ham star

Klopp admitted that he is a big fan of Bowen before Liverpool defeated West Ham 5-1 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. Bowen's Hammers teammate, Antonio, has warned the Liverpool coach that he'll have to stump up the big bucks to take the forward to Anfield.

Speaking on the Footballer's Football Podcast, Antonio said: "Klopp said before the game that Jarrod Bowen is his favourite player in the league other than his own players. I think he's trying to lay those seeds man, he wants Jarrod.

"He can lay the seeds all he likes mate. The man has just signed a seven-year deal bro, if he wants that, he can bring the money. Who's he going to replace, obviously he plays on the right? Are you hinting at something here? Are you letting Salah go yeah?"

Ahead of the midweek cup win against West Ham, Klopp said: "[Bowen is] probably my favourite player besides all my players I have to say. It's great what he is doing and how he has developed."

After firing West Ham to UEFA Europa Conference Leageu glory last season, Bowen has taken his form into the current campaign, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists in 22 games.

The 27-year-old signed a new seven-year contract in October, so Liverpool won't find it easy to persuade West Ham to sell.

Before he starts thinking about the January transfer window, Klopp has a top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal to deal with on Saturday. Meanwhile, Bowen and West Ham will continue their push for European qualification when they host Manchester United on Saturday.