Reid rates Viduka, just as long as he stays

MARK VIDUKA remains firmly in the plans of Leeds boss Peter Reid — although the closure of the transfer window cannot come quick enough.

aving lost Harry Kewell and Olivier Dacourt already this summer Reid does not want to see another quality player depart before the end of the month.

Despite a training-ground altercation between Reid and striker Viduka last week, that is now firmly in the past as far as the manager is concerned.

Although Australian international Viduka has not travelled to Dublin for the final pre-season matches, against Aston Villa today and either Shelbourne or St Patrick’s on Sunday, due to a sore ankle, he will be in the starting line-up against Newcastle for the opener at Elland Road in nine days.

“I know it’s been highlighted we had a bit of a discussion on the training ground, but these things happen. I think if you have a look at anyone’s career, managers have arguments with players. We had one, it’s over with and we got on with it,” said Reid.

Reid’s problem is that Viduka continues to be linked with clubs across Europe, although Leeds have still to receive any firm interest.

Agent Andrea D’Amico has seemingly hawked the 27-year-old across the continent over the past few months but with just three weeks to go before the transfer deadline there is no deal in the pipeline.

“At this stage it’s not a question of whether Mark wants to leave. He has had a wonderful time at Leeds and as a professional he is remaining very open-minded. But there’s nothing happening at present. Apart from Chelsea, clubs don’t appear to have the money,” D’Amico said.

So Viduka looks set to remain at Elland Road at least until the end of the year when the January transfer window opens.

Following his sacking from Leeds in May last year and a protracted compensation row with his former employers, David O’Leary has now taken over at troubled Villa Park.

Now his first meaningful game in charge is against Leeds, although it is only a friendly as the serious stuff will come on Boxing Day when Villa visit Elland Road.

For Leeds, four pre-season matches without a win, victory will be a fillip ahead of the visit of the Magpies.

Skipper Dominic Matteo said: “We have not had a good pre-season. I’m sure this weekend will be more of an indicator as to what’s going on. David was good to me and I’m sure a lot of the other lads will say the same. It will be nice to see him and it makes it an interesting game.”