Shaun Goater rammed home his sixth league goal of the season to put Manchester City on the road to a 2-1 victory over Leeds United on Saturday.

And the long-serving City striker was immediately told by boss Kevin Keegan that he had nothing to fear should the club succeed in their bid to lure Leeds front man Robbie Fowler this week.

Fowler has been Keegan's top target since the Premier Division's transfer window opened in the New Year and the manager is expected to make a $7 million bid for the former Liverpool and England star, possibly as early as today.

Keegan refused to be drawn on transfer speculation following Saturday's win, which hoisted City to ninth in the table, but he told reporters he didn't believe Goater would be down-hearted should Fowler join the club.

"When Nicolas Anelka came to the club during the summer, Shaun might have wondered if it was someone who would replace him," said Keegan.

"Yet Shaun has made more appearances than any striker other than Nicolas.

"I believe players like it when new faces come in. They can look at themselves as being at a club which wants to go somewhere.

"With Nicolas, it was a chance for Shaun to work with him, bounce off him.

"I probably wouldn't even be looking for a striker if Jon Macken or Paulo Wanchope had been 100 percent fit, so I am just doing my job."

Meanwhile, Leeds manager Terry Venables said yesterday he still wanted to keep 27-year-old Fowler at the Yorkshire club.

"I'd be very disappointed if Robbie goes, especially now he is returning to full fitness and is back in contention," said Venables.

"I want him to stay. I already need two or three players - now I might lose Robbie.

"When I came here I had six strikers. Then it came down to four when I lost (Robbie) Keane to Spurs and Michael Bridges through injury. Now I'll be down to just three experienced players."

Regardless of what happens this week, City hero Goater again proved his worth with another clinical finish in the 29th minute of Saturday's match at Maine Road, giving the home side a 1-0 lead.

Influential midfielder Eyal Berkovich stretched the Leeds defence, pulling Jonathan Woodgate out of position before releasing Goater who did the rest.

The Bermudian wasted a chance to put City further head in the first few minutes of the second half but the home fans were soon on their feet again when Niclas Jensen smashed home a magnificent goal after an exquisite pass from Anelka.

Fowler was cheered by City fans when he came on as a Leeds substitute 18 minutes from time, but the visitors' efforts were rewarded only with a last-minute goal from Harry Kewell.