Fowler to link up with Blackburn

Robbie Fowler is joining Blackburn for pre-season training after rejecting a pay-as-you-play deal from Cardiff.

The ex-England striker was expected to sign a new one-year deal with the Bluebirds but told the club on Thursday he would be linking up with Rovers.

Fowler, 33, has not played since December because of a hip injury that required surgery in the United States.

He will be reunited with new Blackburn manager Paul Ince - an old friend since their time together at Anfield.