Newcastle boss Bobby Robson today played down claims that he is heading the chase for unsettled Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler.
Fowler's training ground bust-up with Reds number two Phil Thompson and his subsequent absence from the squad has sparked a frenzy of activity among would-be purchasers.
Gerard Houllier has admitted that the situation has reached crisis point, but Robson was quick to pour cold water on claims that he could be ready to splash out the Stg£15million it would take to lure the Scouser away from his home-town club.
Asked directly on Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek's show this morning if he would be interested, Robson replied: "No I wouldn't because in Shearer, Cort, Bellamy, Shola and Lua Lua we have five strikers, and I'm happy in that department.
"That wouldn't be my priority and I'm not really happy to carry on a conversation about some other club's player.
"Robbie Fowler is an outstanding talent and there's hardly a club in the country who wouldn't have him.
"I think everybody would like Robbie Fowler, but he's a Liverpool player and I hope that situation resolves itself. I would think Liverpool want him desperately.
"He's got to get his act together and they've got in Robbie Fowler certainly as good a striker as there is in Europe."
PA