While the LA Galaxy has guaranteed David Beckham astronomical wages to ply his trade in the USA – making him far and away the best paid player in the country – Sydney’s bid to tempt Fowler is based on financial realities.

Reports in the Welsh press today pointed to Sydney’s refreshing approach, although that by no means guarantees a successful outcome for Branko Culina’s men.

As Fowler mulls over his options while soaking up the sun in Portugal, his agent says that while money is an issue, the 32-year-old was impressed by Sydney’s unwillingness to adopt an ‘at any cost’ approach.

Ironically, Fowler’s nickname among the Liverpool fans was ‘God’ but he has no wish for Sydney to move Heaven and Earth to land him.

George Scott told the Western Mail newspaper: “With Sydney, they are not finding businessmen to throw money at Robbie, and that’s a good thing.

“You don’t want a situation like with David Beckham, where one player is earning much more than everyone else and it creates disharmony. Sydney are doing it the right way.

“He was incredibly impressed with the club and the city. The only thing against them is that Robbie is a Premiership player and he is used to Premiership money.”

Meanwhile, at least one English tabloid was suggesting that Fowler was very unlikely to choose Sydney with Championship club Cardiff City having upped its bid to land the player.

The contract being talked about would see the striker earning in the region of $25,000 per week.

Whatever decision he decides to make, Fowler won’t be part of Culina’s squad for Sunday’s Pre-Season Cup match at Wellington Phoenix.
And the Sydney coach is seeing his options dwindle as injuries begin to bite. Ruben Zadkovich is already sidelined, having had an ingrown nail removed. But he has been joined in the treatment room by Jacob Timpano and Brendon Santalab respectively.
Timpano will be sidelined for two weeks with a toe injury while Santalab is also expected to be out for a fortnight after limping out of Thursday training with a foot problem.