Viduka’s Valencia hopes in balance

LEEDS striker Mark Viduka’s hopes of a potential move to Valencia hang in the balance due to the furore surrounding manager Rafael Benitez.

The new La Liga champions and UEFA Cup winners have been recently linked with a move for Viduka, who is poised to soon follow Alan Smith out of the Elland Road exit door following the England international's stg£7m switch.

Valencia are known to be interested in the 28-year-old Australia star, but have yet to make an official offer for Viduka who is likely to cost between stg£4m-£5m due to the uncertainty regarding to Benitez.

Valencia's delay could be to Middlesbrough's gain as the Teeside club have long been admirers of Viduka, and they can at least offer him UEFA Cup football next season after their Carling Cup success last season.