Robbie Fowler could join Grimsby in January, according to the League Two club's chairman.

The 33-year-old will be out of contract with Premier League Blackburn at the end of the month and Grimsby hope to seal an audacious move for the former England striker as he knows Mariners boss Mike Newell well.

Chairman John Fenty said: "A couple of weeks ago the manager had some discussions with Robbie and then asked me if we could potentially take it forward for Robbie to come in a playing/coaching capacity.

"He is under contract with Blackburn until December and there is a real chance he will get an extension there.

"But if that doesn't happen there is a glimmer of a chance he might come to Grimsby. We were trying to avoid this becoming a public issue but I think I needed to clarify the situation."

Fowler made his name at Liverpool scoring 128 goals in two spells for the club but has made just two appearances for Blackburn since joining on a pay-as-you play deal in September.