Fowler's Man City move collapses

Robbie Fowler must now contemplate his future

Robbie Fowler's £7m transfer to Manchester City from Leeds has fallen through.

Fowler had seemed all set to sign a four-and-a-half-year deal at Maine Road and was expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday's game at Newcastle.

But Leeds confirmed to BBC Sport Online on Thursday that the deal was off.

And Fowler later released a statement saying that he would be staying at Elland Road.

"I had the opportunity to think things over," said the 28-year-old.

"I wanted to stay at Leeds United. I'm happy to do so. Now I want to do my best for the club."

Robbie's a brilliant player and I'm disappointed

David Bernstein
Man City chairman

Fowler's agent, George Scott, said his client took a medical with the Manchester club and passed it, even though the centre-forward has endured a string of injury problems.

It was thought Fowler had already agreed personal terms of £35,000-per-week which would have been some £7,000-per-week less than he receives at Leeds.

A City spokesman said that manager Kevin Keegan was "disappointed" at Fowler's decision but wished him all the best for the future.

The former England coach still has to the end of January to strengthen his strikeforce - which currently boasts the likes of Shaun Goater and Paulo Wanchope as support for Anelka.

Manchester City chairman David Bernstein said:"This came as quite a surprise. Robbie's a brilliant player and I'm disappointed.

"If we're having players coming to Manchester City they have got to want to play for us. If Robbie would want to be at Leeds then we respect that decision and it's up to him.

Profile: Robbie Fowler

"We had a conversation with Robbie's agent this morning. That would seem to be going OK. Then things went rather quiet and we didn't hear anything for a few hours.

"I had a call out rather of the blue from George Scott to tell me Robbie wasn't coming."

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