Liverpool increase efforts to get Kewell signature
Kewell's agent Bernie Mandic confirmed the winger will make a decision on his future in the next few days.
Although Liverpool had yet to made an official bid, they had raised their efforts to land Kewell after failing in their attempt to sign Blackburn Rovers' Irish international winger Damien Duff.
Inter Milan are believed to be the only foreign club chasing 24-year-old Kewell after Barcelona dropped out.
Mandic said: "Harry will make a decision by the end of the month and Leeds will be informed - which is what all parties have been saying all along. All our discussions have been amicable and professional.
"Leeds chairman Professor John McKenzie gets back from Japan on Wednesday and he is the man who needs to be informed, along with Peter Reid obviously," added Mandic.
Kewell's agent flatly denied suggestions from Leeds manager Reid that he had been unable to contact the player.
"It is wrong to suggest Harry doesn't want to speak to Peter Reid. Peter's words may have been taken out of context," said Mandic.
"Harry and I have never had a problem with Peter Reid or anyone else at Leeds United.
"He has the greatest respect for Peter. I have also spoken to him recently and there was no suggestion of a problem."
Everton are ready to start the race to bring Real Madrid's Steve McManaman back to the Premiership if they can clinch a cut-price deal.
Manchester City will rival Everton for McManaman's signature, as he faces the prospect of a final year in the wilderness at The Bernabeu after Real signed David Beckham then sacked coach Vicente del Bosque.
Manchester United are on the brink of signing highly-rated French striker David Bellion from relegated Sunderland.
United had already tried to sign the 20-year-old in January but their £1.5m bid fell far short of Sunderland's 4 million pound valuation and led to the 'Black Cats' chairman Bob Murray slamming their rivals behaviour as 'despicable'.
Now he can leave for nothing as his present contract runs out today, though Sunderland will receive some form of compensation.
Meanwhile, Wales manager Mark Hughes is Alex Ferguson's top target to become his number two at Old Trafford, according to former assistant manager and newly-appointed Real Madrid handler Carlos Queiroz.
Queiroz revealed that United had already tried to persuade 39-year-old Hughes to return to Old Trafford where he enjoyed two successful spells as a player last November but talks had broken down over Hughes' financial demands.
However United would face a real battle with the Welsh authorities as Hughes has guided Wales to the top of their Euro 2004 qualifying group which included a stunning home win over favourites Italy.
"Alex has been working hard for a long time to get Mark on board," Queiroz stated. "He tried to get him in November but it was difficult because Hughes was asking too much money.
"United brought in Ricky Sbragia from Sunderland in the end and he is working with the youngsters.
"Hughes wasn't making it easy at the time to take him to Manchester but Sir Alex can't do everything. Sharing responsibilities is key for the smooth running of that club."
*Brazil and AC Milan forward Rivaldo is said to be "close" to signing a deal with United Arab Emirates club Al Ain, according to a newspaper report here Sunday.
The 31-year-old Rivaldo moved to AC Milan last summer from Spanish giants Barcelona but has spent much of the season on the bench and is said to have been attracted by the Emirates club's offer, according to the Khaleej Times.





