Blackburn Rovers have joined Leeds United in the race to sign Liverpool's unsettled striker, Robbie Fowler.
Assistant manager Tony Parkes said the Ewood Park club would like to sign the England forward, who played under Rovers boss Graeme Souness during his time at Anfield, but only at the right price.
"We are always interested in good players. He'd cost a lot of money but Blackburn would be interested in Robbie Fowler," Parkes told Sky Sports News.
Blackburn have surprised a lot of clubs and a lot of players with the players we've brought to the club
"I don't think we've gone too far down the road - we've shown a bit of interest.
"That may be going to increase a little bit more now Leeds are interested.
"I don't think it's so much of a pipe dream, but if they want £15m or £18m for him it is.
"Blackburn have surprised a lot of clubs and a lot of players with the players we've brought to the club."
Leeds are heading the chase for Fowler - with Italian giants Lazio also believed to be waiting in the wings.
But Liverpool are unlikely to let Fowler go without a struggle, despite his inability to claim a regular first-team place under Liverpool's squad rotation system.
The Anfield club is set to initiate new contract talks with Fowler, whose current deal ends in 18 months.
As the transfer speculation mounts, assistant manager Phil Thompson has said: "Contract talks are imminent. I hope Robbie wants to stay.
"There may be rumours about a bid, but as far as I'm aware, we haven't received any. I think and I hope that Robbie wants to stay at Liverpool."
Leeds have long been linked with Fowler as manager David O'Leary still insists he needs to strengthen his squad.
Fowler has only had limited opportunities this season, and Liverpool may take the decision to sell him rather than risk a Steve McManaman-style Bosman free transfer departure.
Fowler's future has been shrouded in uncertainty for months, and earlier this season he was forced to make a public apology after a training ground row with Thompson.
But he remains one of the country's top scorers - as he proved with a hat-trick at Leicester City - and a cult figure among Liverpool fans.
Leeds, however, may have company in the transfer chase if Liverpool do decide to cash in.
Lazio have been linked with Michael Owen, but it is believed Fowler is also a target.
And Blackburn, with manager Souness a massive Fowler admirer, are now real rivals for Fowler's signature.
Souness was linked with a move for Fowler earlier this season, but insisted he did not have the cash to make a move.
But he has since sold Marcus Bent to Ipswich Town for £3m and is also considering sending summer buy Corrado Grabbi back to Italy and rake in a possible £6m deal.
If he can find the money, Souness is certain to make a firm move for Fowler.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/football/newsid_1676000/1676400.stm
Assistant manager Tony Parkes said the Ewood Park club would like to sign the England forward, who played under Rovers boss Graeme Souness during his time at Anfield, but only at the right price.
"We are always interested in good players. He'd cost a lot of money but Blackburn would be interested in Robbie Fowler," Parkes told Sky Sports News.
Blackburn have surprised a lot of clubs and a lot of players with the players we've brought to the club
"I don't think we've gone too far down the road - we've shown a bit of interest.
"That may be going to increase a little bit more now Leeds are interested.
"I don't think it's so much of a pipe dream, but if they want £15m or £18m for him it is.
"Blackburn have surprised a lot of clubs and a lot of players with the players we've brought to the club."
Leeds are heading the chase for Fowler - with Italian giants Lazio also believed to be waiting in the wings.
But Liverpool are unlikely to let Fowler go without a struggle, despite his inability to claim a regular first-team place under Liverpool's squad rotation system.
The Anfield club is set to initiate new contract talks with Fowler, whose current deal ends in 18 months.
As the transfer speculation mounts, assistant manager Phil Thompson has said: "Contract talks are imminent. I hope Robbie wants to stay.
"There may be rumours about a bid, but as far as I'm aware, we haven't received any. I think and I hope that Robbie wants to stay at Liverpool."
Leeds have long been linked with Fowler as manager David O'Leary still insists he needs to strengthen his squad.
Fowler has only had limited opportunities this season, and Liverpool may take the decision to sell him rather than risk a Steve McManaman-style Bosman free transfer departure.
Fowler's future has been shrouded in uncertainty for months, and earlier this season he was forced to make a public apology after a training ground row with Thompson.
But he remains one of the country's top scorers - as he proved with a hat-trick at Leicester City - and a cult figure among Liverpool fans.
Leeds, however, may have company in the transfer chase if Liverpool do decide to cash in.
Lazio have been linked with Michael Owen, but it is believed Fowler is also a target.
And Blackburn, with manager Souness a massive Fowler admirer, are now real rivals for Fowler's signature.
Souness was linked with a move for Fowler earlier this season, but insisted he did not have the cash to make a move.
But he has since sold Marcus Bent to Ipswich Town for £3m and is also considering sending summer buy Corrado Grabbi back to Italy and rake in a possible £6m deal.
If he can find the money, Souness is certain to make a firm move for Fowler.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/football/newsid_1676000/1676400.stm
