"Bring the money" - Teammate of Liverpool target reacts to Jurgen Klopp name-dropping him in interview

Michail Antonio reacted to Jurgen Klopp name-dropping Jarrod Bowen in his post-match interview.

Before Liverpool’s resounding 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over West Ham, Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports that Bowen, who would go on to net the Hammers’ consolation goal, was his favourite player.

The German said: “[West Ham manager] David [Moyes] is doing an incredible job, I have to say. They are good again, through in Europe, it’s really impressive. Injuries issues as well.

“Playing without Antonio, and Bowen steps up in that position – probably my favourite player besides my players – it’s just great what he’s doing and how he develops.”

Liverpool have historically held an interest in Bowen. ​​TalkSPORT claimed back in October that the England international even rejected a chance to move to Anfield in favour of signing a new long-term contract at the London Stadium.

And speaking on his podcast, Antonio insisted that Liverpool would need to cough up an enormous transfer fee to have any chance of signing Bowen in future.

Speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Antonio said: “Jurgen 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.”

Antonio also suggested that Liverpool's interest in Bowen may be a reaction to reports linking Mohamed Salah to the Saudi Pro League.

Antonio added: “Who’s he going to replace? Obviously he plays on the right. Are you hinting at something here? Are you letting Salah go yeah?”

Bowen has honed his craft from the days of non-league with Hereford United and is now one of the Premier League’s standout players.

The 27-year-old has scored 10 Premier League goals in 16 games, already beating his tally of six from last season.

Topics: Football, Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.