Lee, Bowyer, whose £9 million move to Liverpool collapsed over the weekend, claims he always had reservations about moving to Anfield.

Talks between Liverpool and Bowyer broke down over the player’s wage demands with Reds boss Gerard Houllier questioning the desire of Bowyer player to join Liverpool.

‘The manager Gerard Houllier was not convinced the player had either the hunger or the desire too play for the club, qualities which are essential for any Liverpool player,’ read a statement issued by the club last night.

Despite giving every indication that he wanted to quit Elland Road, Bowyer claimed he was happy to stay with the club.

“I never asked to go on the transfer list and made it clear to Mr Ridsdale that I had reservations when they accepted Liverpool’s bid,” Bowyer told Skysports News.

“So it is probably in the best interest of all parties that the deal did not go through.”

“The arrival of Terry Venables was also a major factor in my thinking that this was not the right time to be leaving Elland Road,” he added.

“With the players we have and with Venables as manager I genuinely believe we have an excellent chance of winning something this season.”

Liverpool are now expected to turn their attention to Blackburn’s Damien Duff with a £15million bid expected to land on the desk of Rovers boss Graeme Souness in the next 24 hours.