John Barnes says that Jarrod Bowen could 'NEVER' replace Mohamed Salah

John Barnes has questioned whether Jarrod Bowen would be the best like-for-like replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool.

Salah's Anfield future remains up in the air as he is yet to agree an extension to his current contract that runs until the end of next season.

Bowen has been tipped as a potential successor to the Egyptian in Liverpool's attack as his sensational form at West Ham continues.

The 25-year-old has scored eight goals and registered eight assists in the Premier League this season – only Salah himself has directly contributed to more goals.

However, Reds legend Barnes is not convinced that Bowen would be able to fill Salah's shoes – although he believes that the West Ham star could move to 'a top five club'.

'Jarrod Bowen is playing for a team that are in the top four or five in the Premier League, so he's playing at the very top – as of right now,' Barnes told BonusCodeBets.

'He needs time to develop; he's in his first real season playing for a better side.

'Bowen's never going to sign for Liverpool and replace Mohamed Salah. He is a different type of player to Mo, he isn't going to score 30 goals a season, that's not what Jarrod Bowen does.

'In terms of his talent, can he play at big top five club? Absolutely.'

West Ham fans would certainly question Barnes' definition of a 'big top five club', considering that the Irons currently sit fifth in the Premier League table – ahead of Arsenal and Tottenham and only two points behind Manchester United.

The Evening Standard reported earlier this week that the East London side are planning contract talks with Bowen this summer following his superb season.

The former Hull man is contracted to the Hammers until 2025, but they are keen to secure his future amid