Michael Owen urges Liverpool to forget Bradley Barcola and sign Jarrod Bowen instead

Liverpool have been urged to reconsider their pursuit of Bradley Barcola, with former Reds striker Michael Owen insisting Jarrod Bowen would have been the ideal replacement for Mohamed Salah.

The Premier League champions remain interested in the Paris Saint-Germain winger, but the French club's reported £145 million valuation has cast doubt over whether a deal can be completed.

Barcola has emerged as one of Liverpool's leading attacking targets following Salah's departure, but Owen believes the asking price is excessive.

Speaking to GOAL, the former Liverpool forward admitted the France international is an outstanding player but warned the Reds should not feel pressured into completing such an expensive transfer.

"He's obviously very good, but he's going to come at a massive price. I don't think they have to win it. There's other great players out there."

PSG are under little pressure to sell, with Barcola still under contract for another two years, allowing the Ligue 1 champions to demand a premium fee.

Instead of focusing on Barcola, Owen believes Liverpool missed an opportunity to move for West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen.

The England international is expected to remain with the Hammers following their relegation to the Championship, but Owen feels he would have been an ideal fit at Anfield.

"What I would have done a couple of months ago if I was Liverpool is try to do everything to sign Jarrod Bowen. To replace Salah, I thought that could have been a good move."

Owen acknowledged Barcola's quality but believes Liverpool have other options available if PSG refuse to lower their valuation.

Liverpool are not the only Premier League club tracking the French winger.

Arsenal have also been linked with Barcola after missing out on Vinicius Junior, potentially setting up a transfer battle if PSG soften their stance later in the window.

For now, however, Liverpool must decide whether to meet PSG's demands or pursue alternative attacking targets.

Liverpool are expected to continue exploring attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes. Whether they return with an improved offer for Barcola or switch attention to alternative targets could depend on PSG's willingness to reduce their valuation.