Cardiff in Fowler coup

The 32-year-old former England international had been linked with a host of clubs since being released by Liverpool at the end of last season, and turned down an offer from Sydney FC.

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Leicester were also rumoured to be chasing Fowler, but he has agreed to sign a two-year contract with the Bluebirds and is expected to be unveiled at a press conference on Monday or Tuesday next week.

Fellow forward Warren Feeney, who also joined Cardiff this summer, said: "Robbie is one of the players I looked up to the most.

"I always admired the way he was, on and off the pitch. He has that cockiness about him, which is why he is so good.

"When I was growing up and making my way in the game, Robbie was the main man in English football in terms of strikers.

"He was the player all young strikers wanted to be like, and to have the chance to play with him is great."

Fowler's last appearance for England came at the 2002 World Cup, and he scored seven goals in 26 games for his country.

Feeney revealed that Fowler's former international team-mate Trevor Sinclair, who also joined Cardiff this summer, had played a role in persuading the former Leeds and Manchester City player to move to Ninian Park.

Feeney continued: "Trevor has been on the phone to Robbie, telling him to come here and telling him that it is a club going in the right direction.

"I know a lot of clubs were interested in Robbie, but he has made the right choice in coming here. The club is buzzing.

"Robbie will be a great player to learn from, and I am a bit shocked no Premiership clubs were in for him.

"He could have done a job for someone in the top division. He has proved himself time and again and that level.

"All he needs is a run of games to regain his confidence."

Leicester were also in the hunt for Fowler, but their £2.1million capture of DJ Campbell from Birmingham yesterday seemed to rule them out of the running.

Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale had made no secret of his desire to bring in Fowler, and the Bluebirds' success in securing his services signals their ambition for the forthcoming Coca-Cola Championship campaign.

Fowler had also been linked with Rangers, while League One side Port Vale also made an audacious bid for his services.

His first, nine-year spell at Liverpool, which ended in 2001 with a move to Leeds, saw Fowler score 120 league goals and made him one of the most feared strikers in England.

Fowler joined Leeds for £11million, netting 14 times in 24 league starts, before a switch to Manchester City in January 2003.

Fowler's unexpected return to Liverpool three years later was welcomed by Reds fans, but it did not produce the results of his first spell at Anfield.

The Toxteth-born frontman was rarely first choice under Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, who opted to let him leave the club at the end of last season.

Cardiff turned to Fowler after their star striker Michael Chopra left for newly-promoted Sunderland this summer, and manager Dave Jones will expect him to score the goals to make his team serious contenders for promotion.