Leeds deny United approach for Kewell

LEEDS have categorically denied any approach from Manchester United for another of their crown jewels in Harry Kewell.

Australia international Kewell has been linked with a cut-price £6 million move to Old Trafford this summer as Leeds look to slash debts of nearly £80 million.

Leeds' own website, www.leedsunited.com, insist that no club have made an approach for Kewell let alone agreed a deal.

With speculation rife about Ryan Giggs' future with the Reds, Kewell could be seen as a potential successor to the Wales international on the left wing. The 24-year-old, with 12 goals this season, was restored to his more natural position on the left on Saturday by caretaker-manager Peter Reid for the 6-1 romp against Charlton at The Valley.

Kewell's form this campaign is reported to have caught the eye of United manager Alex Ferguson, who last summer managed to lure Rio Ferdinand away from Elland Road for £30 million.

Ferdinand's departure signalled an exodus from Leeds, with Robbie Keane, Lee Bowyer, Olivier Dacourt, Robbie Fowler and Jonathan Woodgate all then following suit. Patrick Vieira is prepared to play through the pain of a knee injury in a bid to keep Arsenal's suddenly shaky bid for a "double double" on the rails.

The Frenchman will not talk about the condition of his right knee but he had it strapped throughout Saturday's 1-1 draw at Aston Villa and it has been suggested he may eventually need minor surgery to clean up some damaged fibres.

He missed a 2-0 defeat at Blackburn in mid-March through knee trouble.

But losing their inspiring captain again at this stage could be an unsustainable blow for Arsenal, who have seen their Premier League lead trimmed by Manchester United whom they meet in a title showdown at Highbury a week tomorrow and must resolve several other key injury situations before Sunday's FA Cup semi-final clash with Sheffield United.

Southampton's Rory Delap could feature in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Watford after returning to training today.

The Republic of Ireland international has been sidelined for six weeks after tearing medial ligaments in the fifth-round win over Norwich.

Delap is 90% fit and has had two pain-killing injections and has set his sights on playing at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy returned to his desk yesterday confident there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Barring a run of championship form, relegation to Division One will be confirmed long before a depressing season draws to a close next month, and possibly as soon as this weekend.

Saturday's record-equalling ninth successive league defeat by Chelsea left the Black Cats within one defeat of the drop with six games still to play, but McCarthy was buoyed by the kind of performance which has been sadly lacking amid the club's slide down the table.