Liverpool confident of new Fowler deal

Liverpool are confident that a new deal could be sealed with striker Robbie Fowler by the end of the month.

Fowler can leave Anfield for nothing at the end of next season under the Bosman ruling and is a noted purchaser of houses in London and the south of England but Liverpool are hoping to keep the young striker in a similar situation to the one that has cost them midfielder Steve McManaman who is set to leave in the summer.

Liverpool have hit good recent form under French coach Gerard Houllier and Fowler seems to have recovered some of the speed and fitness he lost after a serious knee injury a year ago. Fowler is close to an England call-up if he maintains his current progress and he is set to become the biggest earner in Liverpool history.

Strike partner Michael Owen will continue to attract attention from SS Lazio if Fowler signs a deal that will pay him three times as much as the 19 year old superstar.