Leeds United's season may be about to take another significant turn for the worse after Harry Kewell indicated he did not want to sign a new contract.
Despite their financial difficulties, Leeds have offered Kewell a new, five-year deal worth about £50,000 a week, effectively the most lucrative package they have ever offered a player.
Uppermost in his mind is the fact that manager Terry Venables, with whom he has a strong relationship, is likely to sever his ties with the club at the end of the season and that more players may have to be sold, with Leeds reputedly needing to raise another £15 million. Kewell and his advisers doubt the sense in staying at a club in decline.
Despite the fact that his form has been erratic, the Australian is still admired across the continent, particularly in La Liga and Serie A, after Leeds's Champions League run two years ago.
Internazionale are among the likely bidders and Kewell has made no secret of his desire to play in Italy or Spain.
Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale had hoped Kewell would follow Alan Smith in finalising a new contract at a time when morale desperately needs a lift. But Kewell's stance may now force the Elland Road hierarchy into making another decision hugely unpopular with the fans.
At the end of this season Kewell has only a year left on his contract and Leeds will not want to risk a repeat of Lee Bowyer's situation, when he refused to sign a new deal and they eventually accepted £100,000 from West Ham rather than lose a £9 million-rated player on a Bosman.
Meanwhile, soccer fans in London will have to travel hundreds of miles to watch the FA Cup semi-finals after the Football Association admitted last night there was nowhere in London fit to stage them.
Supporters of Arsenal or Chelsea face a 400-mile round trip to Manchester to take on Sheffield United in a 1.0 p.m. kick-off at Old Trafford on April 13th, while Southampton and Watford will head north for a 4.0 p.m. start at Villa Park in Birmingham.
Guardian Service
