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Fowler 'come and join me' - Jul 15 2007 by Chris Wathan, Wales On Sunday

CARDIFF CITY aim to have three former England internationals in their starting line-up when the new season kicks off on August 11. The Bluebirds are still chasing Robbie Fowler with the ex-Liverpool striker due back for discussions with City chairman Peter Ridsdale following talks with Australian outfit Sydney FC. And Wales on Sunday understands Cardiff are also eyeing up Blackburn marksman Francis Jeffers as a potential replacement for Michael Chopra. With former World Cup star Trevor Sinclair already signed up, the Bluebirds could have a trio of former England caps on their books.

Ridsdale has already admitted he is chasing players with international experience, and last night offered a commitment to deliver two quality strikers by the time the Championship kicks off. Funded by the £5m sale of star striker Chopra to Sunderland, Ridsdale said: "I would be extremely disappointed if we didn't have two new strikers by August 11.

"We've brought in six quality players already this summer, we're already stronger, and I will give my commitment to deliver two strikers by the time we kick off. There's a lot of talk about a lot of players but I'm trying not to speculate. But we're completely aware of the need to bring in quality strikers who are proven goalscorers, and anyone who fits into that category will be on our radar."

And after also revealing the club has turned down bids for FIVE players, Ridsdale has knocked claims Cardiff are simply a selling club. Knocking back bids for Roger Johnson, Peter Whittingham and Joe Ledley as well as the two offers for Aaron Ramsey and Chris Gunter, he added: "Every club is a selling club - but we're also a buying club. I would challenge anybody to look at the squad today and match it with that of two years ago when I joined and tell me we're not stronger."

Hopes of landing Fowler, 32, have been boosted by new signing Sinclair, who admitted he has used the England's 'old boys act' to try and persuade the striker to join Dave Jones' new-look side. Sinclair, team-mates with Fowler with England and Man City, said: "It would be great if Robbie came to Cardiff. I've left him a couple of messages on his mobile and I've been in touch with Steve McManaman. They are really good friends and I've told Steve to let Robbie know, if he doesn't already, that Dave Jones is really keen to sign him - and Steve has promised to pass that on to him.

"Hopefully it can happen because it would be a fantastic signing and he would do a great job in the Championship for Cardiff. For me he is still a Premiership player and it would be great for the club. It would just give everybody a lift."

Fowler was this week given a lavish tour of Sydney, entertained on the private super-yacht of Australian FA chairman Frank Lowy. But Ridsdale is believed to be confident of still persuading him to choose Cardiff. Those chances could be boosted as Leicester prepare to drop out of the race for his signature.

Out-of-favour Blackburn striker Jeffers is in Cardiff's sights after his proposed transfer to Ipswich fell through. The former Everton and Arsenal ace - who scored in his only England appearance against Australia four years ago - is available for a £500,000 fee, or even a long-term loan. Jeffers, 26, has seen his career stall since being tipped for great things.