Robbie Fowler is ready to agree a pay-as-you-play deal with Blackburn this week, ending any lingering hopes Al Ahli had of siging the former England striker. Fowler, 33, had been strongly linked with a move to play at the Dubai-based club next season. The former Liverpool man had previously considered a move to the Emirates - where he has several properties - but chose Cardiff City when he left Liverpool.
His signing would have been another major coup for the UAE Etisalat Pro League, already boasting by such major talents as the Brazilian striker Rafael Sobis at Al Jazira and the Chilean Jorge Valdivia at Al Ain. Fowler has been training with Rovers ever since his former Liverpool teammate Paul Ince took over as manager. Blackburn chairman John Williams said they hoped to agree a three-month deal by the end of the week.
Williams said: "We have agreed in principle a three-month pay-as-you-play deal and we hope to have it tied up by the end of the week. "If we go ahead on that basis and get it registered then if the manager wants him he would be able to be in the squad against Arsenal on Saturday." Fowler is currently a free agent after leaving Cardiff during the summer. The striker is the fourth-highest goalscorer in Premier League history having had two spells at Liverpool and also played for Leeds and Manchester City.
Fowler was also offered a pay-as-you-play contract with Cardiff for this season but turned it down after he receiving the chance to have a trial at Blackburn. He could be in the squad to face Arsenal at Ewood Park this weekend. * PA Sport
