Soccer: Fowler set to join Sydney FC

SYDNEY - Robbie Fowler is reportedly set to join two-time A-League champions Sydney FC as their marquee player for the 2010/11 season.

Fairfax newspapers said the Liverpool legend, who turns 35 on Friday, was keen to keep on playing in the A-League despite the financial dramas at the North Queensland Fury.

Fowler will replace John Aloisi as Sydney FC's marquee player with the former Socceroos star having signed on for Melbourne Heart's inaugural season.

The popularity of Fowler, who scored 11 goals in 25 games last season for the Fury, is particularly attractive for Sydney FC as they attempt to lure in bigger crowds next season.

Fowler is currently in England, where he has been attending coaching courses.

He has become available in the wake of the Fury's money problems with the Townsville club no longer in a position to meet his wages, believed to be about A$750,000 ($970,785 ) per season.

North Queensland have been saved by Football Federation Australia's intervention but the A-League may still lose a club with Gold Coast United backer, mining magnate Clive Palmer, withdrawing his support this week.

Fairfax said the FFA has little interest in mounting a rescue operation and the competition is now likely to remain a 10-team league with newcomers Melbourne Heart taking the place of Gold Coast United.

- AAP