Pundit issues verdict on Bowen quitting West Ham for Liverpool after source's update today
Noel Whelan has tipped West Ham to fight tooth and nail to tie Jarrod Bowen down to a new contract amid reported interest from Liverpool.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Hammers' finishing position this season will determine if the 24-year-old commits his future to the east Londoners.
The Liverpool Echo (9 December) claim Liverpool are long-term admirers of Bowen and are continuing to scout the Hammers star with a view to a summer transfer raid.
A West Ham source has told Football Insider today the club are planning to offer Bowen a new and improved contract.
Whelan insisted the Irons would do everything they can to keep Bowen in east London next season.
Whelan told Football Insider's Russell Edge: "This is what happens when players are standing out in a team that's been very successful like West Ham.
"He's a player that I enjoy watching. His energy, his quality on the ball, he can play down the middle, on the right and left. He's a player that you would fit the Liverpool bill of what they want across that front three.
"Would West Ham let him go? I think they'll do everything possible to keep him at West Ham, quite frankly. I think it'll all come down to how successful West Ham are at the end of the season. Where they are in the league.
"It's going be interesting. I admire him, he's a great player, he really is. That energy, that quality on the ball, the link-up play he has.
"I can see why Liverpool would be tempted and interested in a player like that."
Bowen has scored four goals and contributed six assists in 23 appearances across all competitions this season.
Primarily a right-winger, he has played through the middle as a centre-forward on occasion.