Sven awaits Bowyer's new test of character

Normally, no club would willingly relinquish a player with the assets of Lee Bowyer as he approaches the zenith of his career. But circumstances at Elland Road over the last two years have been anything but normal, and Leeds will feel that the loss of one of the country's most combative attacking midfielders will be compensated by a return to harmony within the club.

The player, who undoubtedly would have won his first England cap by now had it not been for the protracted court cases involving himself and Jonathan Woodgate, and the fall-out from that period, has done himself no harm whatsoever in refusing to sign a new contract with Leeds, and instead appears to be bound for last season's championship runners-up, Liverpool, at a fee of £9 million, and a reported salary of £10m over five years.

The chairman, Peter Ridsdale, spoke last week about "a new beginning" at Leeds following a period when the courtroom appearances of Bowyer and Woodgate tarnished the club's image despite the former being cleared of assault charges against a student, who was beaten unconscious in an attack in the city centre. Bowyer's Leeds team-mate Woodgate, who was convicted of affray and given 100 hours of community service, remains at the club, but his attitude has always been more contrite.

Though cleared by the court, Bowyer was fined four weeks' wages after the verdict for having been out at night under the influence of alcohol – a breach of club rules. The midfielder was briefly transfer-listed for initially refusing to pay the fine but he later relented.

Perversely, the performances of the 25-year-old were exceptional during the period when he was attending court; they included a late winner against Anderlecht in the Champions' League the day after the first trial started in February, as Leeds headed towards the 2000-01 semi-finals. It was only after the second trial finished earlier this year with his acquittal that his form slipped.

Bowyer was apparently unhappy with the club's treatment of him. It was also evident to those who spoke to his then manager David O'Leary that he felt undermined. Whether the resultant effects on morale at the club were responsible for indifferent mid-season results is impossible to say. But for the new manager, Terry Venables, there will be no excuses, other than the fact that within days of his appointment he has lost one of the club's most crucial players. He said: "Lee's got mixed feelings, but he's decided to go and speak to Liverpool and see what occurs. I was aware of that before I arrived. I don't want to lose any good players, but I have to face facts."

Bowyer would not be the first gifted player to reveal flaws. From the moment he failed a training-ground test for marijuana at Charlton in March 1995, his career has been beset by disciplinary problems, on and off the pitch.

As Gérard Houllier's former partner Roy Evans said: "It's time now to grow up and make sure that football becomes the most important thing. He has to keep his nose clean in future as the discipline side of things will be a big factor. He's got to knuckle down and, if he does that and he does well for Liverpool, then he can progress into the England team."

That moment is long overdue for such a natural goal-scoring midfielder, who possesses an abrasive edge. Sven Goran Eriksson will watch his further development at a club who have always demanded high standards with close interest. If Bowyer can cast out the devil within, but retain his ability to devastate opponents with the ball, he could become one of the England coach's most important additions.

Despite the heightened competition for places at Anfield, Steven Gerrard welcomed Bowyer's likely arrival. "In team talks against Leeds his name was always mentioned, because he is just so dangerous. He is a great player who is unlucky not to have an England cap at senior level."

Manchester City have allotted their Algerian midfielder Ali Benarbia the No 8 shirt on the club's return to the Premiership. The City manager, Kevin Keegan, has likened the player to Colin Bell, and Benarbia will now wear the shirt made famous by the former England international, who won 48 caps.

The striker Jon Macken, who had worn that shirt after his March move from Preston, will now wear No 11 as Paulo Wanchope retains No 9 and Shaun Goater keeps No 10. That means a new number had to be found for French striker Nicolas Anelka, and because the new £13m signing wanted the No 9 he plumped for 39 instead.

Tottenham have signed the 19-year-old midfielder Rohan Ricketts from their north London rivals Arsenal. Ricketts, a member of the England Under-20 squad who recently took part in the Toulon tournament, has moved on a free transfer.