Fowler and Vine speculation hots up

Last updated : 16 July 2007 By Michael Morris
Now I'm a little cynical as previously we've seen deals for Chris Killen and last summer Jason Koumas fall through after the transfers were "conducted" through the newspapers.

Link to Echo story here.

Now the latest public transfer is Robbie Fowler. Cardiff in some eyes are seen as favourites to sign him. Robbie is due back to the UK this evening after a trip to Australia to see what Sydney FC have to offer. He comes home to the news that Milan Mandaric and Leicester City want to sign him.

Fowler met club officials, the manager and players of Sydney FC but a move to Oz would a big upheaval for his family.

"We'd be right for someone looking for the right challenge," said Leicester chairman Mandaric.

"Our rebuilding is not completed yet. We are still looking for more power up front and Fowler could give us that."

So we are in a three way split. Other links are there including from the States but it looks like a three way battle.

Dave Jones arrives back in the UK this evening from Portugal, Peter Ridsdale is in the USA but could come home if need but if terms have been verbally agreed things could be completed remotely if they needed to.

It's one of those situations that could just happen or we could be facing weeks of speculation.

Another name that's being talked about is Rowan Vine. A January target for City before he went to Birmingham City, the news on the"grape" Vine is that Rowan is close to a Cardiff move.

In the last 24 hours Francis Jeffers was linked and that proiduced a rapid denial from the club. No such denials against Fowler or Vine though (at the moment).

I'm sorry I don't have facts for you. But with City's pre season now well under way and the new campaign starting in less than 4 weeks you can be sure there will be plenty of activity in and around Ninian Park as we prepare for the new season.