Liverpool call off move for Bowyer

Liverpool FC manager Gérard Houllier today pulled out of signing Lee Bowyer from Leeds United AFC, calling into question the midfield player's "desire'' to play at Anfield.

'Hunger or desire'
After a week of talks with the 25-year-old, Houllier was not convinced that he was the right player for the club. A statement from Liverpool read: "Liverpool Football Club have decided not to go ahead with the proposed transfer of Lee Bowyer for a variety of reasons. Manager Gérard Houllier was not convinced the player had either the hunger or desire to play for the club - qualities which are essential for a Liverpool player.''

'Waste of our time'
This summer Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale was angry that after six months of talks Bowyer told him he had taken a career decision to leave - and he responded that the whole affair had been "a waste of our time''.

International future
Bowyer's ability has never been called into question, and indeed England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson revealed that he intended to give the midfield player his chance in the EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign.

Significant setback
But Bowyer's off-the-field activities have continued to cast a shadow over his career. The claims of Houllier that Bowyer lacks both the "hunger'' and "desire'' to pull on the club's famous red shirt are another hurdle for the player to overcome if he is to prove his critics wrong.

Contract rejection
Bowyer's immediate future is now unclear. However, new Leeds boss Terry Venables would no doubt be happy to see the talented midfield player return to Elland Road. The England hopeful has been on the transfer list since rejecting the offer of a five-year contract worth a reported €15.6m at the end of May.

World Cup star
Meanwhile, Blackburn Rovers FC manager Graeme Souness has confirmed Liverpool's interest in signing their Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff. The former Liverpool manager said that club had inquired about Duff and revealed Blackburn would be prepared to sell if the price was right.

'A ridiculous offer'
Souness said: "We have had a telephone call from Liverpool asking if Damien was available. The answer was 'no'. But if the price was right we would not be in a position to turn a ridiculous offer down.''