ROBBIE Fowler has emerged as a shock target for League Two strugglers Grimsby Town.

Mariners manager and former Blackburn Rovers striker Mike Newell is reported to have sounded out the Ewood Park veteran for a potential player/coaching role.

Fowler’s three-month pay-as-you-play deal at Rovers expires next week and he is waiting to see if a new contract arrives on the table before making a decision on Grimsby’s offer.

As it stands, no discussions have been held with the former Liverpool and England striker over a fresh deal at Ewood, while Town have made no approach to Rovers for the 33-year-old.

But with Fowler believed to be interested in a move into management, Mariners chairman John Fenty is hopeful of pulling off a major coup for the North Lincolnshire outfit.

Fenty said: “The situation is this: A couple of weeks ago the manager had some discussions with Robbie and then he asked me if we could potentially take it forward for Robbie to come in some sort of playing/coaching capacity.

“That has come about because of Mike’s friendship with him and also the fact that it had been mooted that Robbie has said that he wanted to get onto the management ladder.

“Obviously, we saw a potential opportunity here and, after discussing it through with Robbie, it was quite clear that Robbie wants to keep playing at the highest level possible for as long as he possibly can.

“He is now waiting for Blackburn to clarify their position.

“There is a real chance and, logically, it is likely to happen this way, in that he gets a contract extension at Blackburn.

“If this doesn’t happen, there is a glimmer of a chance that he might come to Grimsby.

“In truth, we were trying to avoid this becoming a public issue. It wasn’t meant to get out.”

Fowler was given the chance to resurrect his Premier League career after impressing Rovers boss Paul Ince during a summer trial.

However, since signing a contract in September, the Liverpudlian has made just five Blackburn appearances this season – two as a substitute – and has yet to score a goal.