Paul Ince made his first moves in the transfer market on Friday, handing Robbie Fowler the possibility of another opportunity in the Premiership whilst reportedly setting up a move for Liverpool’s Jermaine Pennant [source].

Fowler has apparently turned down a 1-year contract extension at Cardiff in order to join up with Rovers’ pre-season training in a bid to prove his fitness [source]. Meanwhile, Ince is eyeing up Pennant as the ideal replacement for the wantaway David Bentley.

The move for Fowler is a major surprise. He made just 16 appearances for the Cardiff, finding the net 6 times. A hip injury kept him out of action from December but Fowler and Ince will hope that surgery has corrected that particular issue. Whether Fowler can patch himself up for the rigours of a Premiership season remains to be seen. It’s unlikely that many fantasy managers will come knocking on his door regardless.

The Pennant situation is more interesting. If it comes off, the move seems likely to spark a chain of transfers possibly involving the likes of Bentley, Keane and Barry. Pennant himself may well be worth a look, particularly if Ince can prevent Santa Cruz from departing Ewood Park. Like Bentley, Pennant is a master of providing crosses and with regular starts he could well churn out the assists and offer some value as a mid-price midfield option.