TIME WAS RIGHT TO GO - FOWLER
Fowler is expected to be at Elland Road on Wednesday to undertake a medical and agree the personal details on the deal believed to be worth around £11 million.
The 26-year-old has suffered under Liverpool's rotation system and has found himself behind Michael Owen and Emile Heskey in the pecking order at Anfield, which he says is the main reason for his move.
"I have had nearly 15 years with Liverpool and eight wonderful years in the Liverpool team," said Fowler. "But I think it must be obvious to everyone that the time has come to move on.
"It was always going to be a difficult decision to leave Liverpool, because even if I have my own reasons, the fans there were a powerful reason for me to stay.
"But Leeds are a great club, and the chance to be part of what is happening at Elland Road was too good to miss, particularly under the current circumstances.
"Like every footballer, I just want to play, and I want the chance to be part of things. I hope if the deal goes through, I'll get that chance at Leeds.
"I'm not interested in recriminations, but I think this is the best thing now for me and for Liverpool.
"Leeds have a fantastic young side, and it is clear that things are happening there.
"The chance to be part of that is a very exciting prospect for me.
"Nobody leaves Liverpool lightly, but there were a lot of considerations in my decision, and I think if everything goes all right, then this is the perfect move for me."
Should the deal go through it will take David O'Leary's spending up to £97 million and many at Elland Road believe Fowler's goalscoring ability is the extra dimension needed at the club.
Fowler's departure will come as a massive blow to the Anfield faithful as he has always been a huge favourite on the Kop, who have stood behind him despite all his problems.
One man who mat not be so pleased to see the Toxteth Terror at Leeds is striker Alan Smith who could be under threat after his recent sending-off did not go down well with club officials, although the move will also spark rumours of Mark Viduka moving to the continent.
Names have already been put forward as possible replacements for Fowler, although Czech Republic striker Milan Baros is due to arrive at Anfield soon Dwight Yorke and David Trezeguet have also been linked with moves to Anfield.
However, Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale has said that the final negotiations with Fowler, including a thorough medical examination will take until Thursday to complete.
"We reached an agreement with Liverpool last night," said Ridsdale. "Although we agreed the fee would remain undisclosed, we cannot stop people from speculating.
"That agreement is just part of the transfer and now we have to sit down with Robbie and his advisor to reach contractual agreement and for Robbie to undergo a medical.
"Given the thoroughness of our medicals, which normally take a full day to complete, I can see it being Thursday before we can conclude the transfer."
