"We've approached Robbie Fowler's agent to see whether he would be interested in playing for Port Vale," said Vale chairman Bill Bratt.
"We obviously can't afford to pay him what other clubs can but he's a very wealthy man anyway and we hope he may want to play for the pleasure of it.
"I believe Cardiff are offering him £8,000 a week and we can't match that.
"But it's a chance for us as far as I'm concerned. We've asked the question and if the answer's no, it's no.
"I believe he has other offers but he may fancy the club and it may be something he wants to do.
"You don't go from being a brilliant player to a bad player overnight and we think he would be a superb addition for us. We can offer him regular football and at his age that may be what he is looking for.
"We have enquired about his availability and we have to wait for his agent to get back to us before we can discuss terms."