IPSWICH are lining up a sensational loan swoop for ex-England striker Robbie Fowler.Town wanted the Manchester City star before the recent deadline for 'emergency' loan signings expired.

By Mel Henderson

IPSWICH are lining up a sensational loan swoop for ex-England striker Robbie Fowler.

Town wanted the Manchester City star before the recent deadline for 'emergency' loan signings expired.

I understand the move is far from dead, with boss Joe Royle likely to step up his efforts to bring the former Liverpool and Leeds star to Portman Road on loan during the January transfer window.

It would be a fantastic coup for Royle and the club if they succeeded in securing the services of one of the most prolific

marksmen of all time.

Fowler, 30, burst on to the scene as a teenager at first club Liverpool and is now the third highest goalscorer in the history of the Premiership, behind Alan Shearer and his City colleague Andrew Cole.

He cost Leeds £11million just over four years ago and then City boss Kevin Keegan paid £6m to sign him in January 2003.

But Fowler has faded from the first team picture and has just one senior appearance to his credit this season, coming on in the 84th minute of the 1-1 derby draw at Old Trafford in September.

With Cole and Darius Vassell claiming a combined tally of 13 goals this season, Fowler's first team prospects look bleak.

That has put Royle on alert as he looks to inject new blood into his squad for the second half of the season.