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Maine man Fowler finally signs with Manchester CityPosted: Thursday January 30, 2003 6:27 AMUpdated: Thursday January 30, 2003 9:50 AM MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Striker Robbie Fowler completed his move from Leeds to Manchester City on Thursday, wrapping up the 6-million-pound (US$ 9.6 million) deal a day before the transfer deadline closed. A similar deal collapsed two weeks ago over the terms of the England striker's contract. This time the agreement was restructured with 3 million pounds (US$4.8 million) being paid as a base fee, and the additional 3 million pounds (US$4.8 million) based on the amount of time Fowler plays. The 3 1/2-year deal should see Fowler make his Maine Road debut Saturday against last-place West Bromwich Albion. "I won't pretend there haven't been some interesting moments over the last couple of months," Man City chairman David Bernstein said. "But we have a very together group of people. The board are totally together, totally supportive and there are no splits." Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan has spent about 40 million pounds (US$64 million) since moving to the club 18 months ago. Bernstein said the former England manager was persuasive in landing Fowler. "The deal collapsed last time because I didn't spend enough time with Robbie explaining why I wanted him here," Bernstein said. "He is not a piece of meat or merchandise and he didn't ask to leave Leeds and when he came here before it was almost like fait accompli. Everyone knows Leeds had to sell someone but it wasn't a straightforward deal and he just needed to feel as though he had some say in it." Fowler, 27, moved to Leeds from Liverpool in November 2001 but never made an impact and was often slowed by injuries. He has missed much of this season with injury and has only two goals. Overall he had 14 goals with Leeds. Leeds considering Newcastle offer for WoodgateLEEDS, England (AP) -- Defender Jonathan Woodgate could become the latest high-profile player to leave Leeds United, a move which could lead to the departure of manager Terry Venables. Leeds said Thursday it was considering a "substantial offer" from Newcastle for the England center-back. The offer is reported to be around 9 million pounds (US$14.4 million). Venables said last week he would consider his future at Leeds if the club allowed Woodgate to go. Earlier this week, Venables said Robbie Fowler's impending move to Manchester City would ensure that Woodgate remained. However, after Fowler completed his 6-million-pound (US$9.6 million) tranfer to City on Thursday, the club was still considering letting Woodgate leave in a bid to cut its heavy debts. Woodgate's potential move would come in the wake of the departures of Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Keane, Olivier Dacourt, Lee Bowyer and Fowler. Angry Leeds fans have vowed to give back their season tickets or burn them in protest if the club sells Woodgate to Newcastle. Leeds lost 3-2 to Chelsea on Tuesday night and is 12th in the 20-team Premier League.
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