Liverpool are holding contract talks with striker Robbie Fowler and remain hopeful he will stay at the club, assistant manager Phil Thompson said today.
"At this time we are in discussions with Robbie and his agent. We want him to stay at the club and further talks are imminent," Thompson was quoted as saying on the Liverpool website today.
Media reports have suggested Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers are interested in signing the England striker, who has been unable to command a regular first-team place at Anfield over the past two seasons.
"There may be rumours of clubs making bids but as far as I am aware we haven't received any," added Thompson, who is in charge of team affairs at the premier league leaders while manager Gerard Houllier recovers from heart surgery.
"I think and I hope Robbie wants to stay at Liverpool."
According to the Liverpool website, Fowler's current contract expires at the end of next season.
If the 10 million pounds ($14.1 million)-rated striker fails to agree a new contract or move to another club before then, he would be able to leave Liverpool on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling. -Reuters