FERGIE IN FOR FOWLER?

The 24-year-old signed a four-year contract last summer which made him the Merseyside club`s top earner on £30,000 a week.

Now United are ready to test Liverpool`s commitment to keep Fowler as part of their long-term plans whereas Leeds, who have already enquired about the player, are still searching for a striker to replace Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink who is currently attempting to keep Atletico Madrid in the Primera Liga almost single-handedly.

The Reds` hit-man scored his 150th career goal last week but Sir Alex Ferguson is a long-time admirer of him and with the recent smashing of the wage structure at Old Trafford after Roy Keane`s new contract, the door could be open for Fowler to join the Manchester club.

United are looking to consolidate their position at the top of the English game and have been looking at bringing the world`s best with Rivaldo also on their shopping list but the brilliant Brazilian seems set to stay in Barcelona despite a rift with coach Louis Van Gaal.

Leicester`s Emile Heskey is widely believed to have signed a pre-contractual agreement with Liverpool and this could pave the way for Fowler to go to any of the host of club`s that are chasing him. With both Fowler and Michael Owen currently struggling with injuries and Dwight Yorke failing to recapture his previous season`s form, despite a brace against West Ham, a move could be in the best interests of both clubs.

Gerard Houllier was quick to play down the link on Monday before the Premiership match at Tottenham. "Robbie is a Liverpool lad and he is both very happy and very proud to play for his local side," stated the French boss.Nic Evans