Robbie Fowler is on the verge of agreeing a pay-as-you-play deal with Blackburn Rovers. The deal is expected to be finalised by the end of the week, meaning Fowler would be available for selection for the match against Arsenal at Ewood Park this Saturday. The striker spent last season at Cardiff City but, though offered a new contract by the Bluebirds, accepted manager Paul Ince's offer to train with Rovers.

John Williams, the Blackburn chairman, was hopeful that a three-month deal would be signed by the end of the week. Williams said: "We have agreed in principle a three-month pay-as-you-play deal and we hope to have it tied up by the end of the week. If we go ahead on that basis and get it registered then if the manager wants him he would be able to be in the squad against Arsenal on Saturday."

Fowler, who won 26 caps for England, has scored the fourth-highest number of goals in Premier League history in stints at Leeds and Manchester City and in two-spells for Liverpool.