Kewell’s sights on Arsenal despite huge Leeds offer
McKenzie has pushed the boat out as far as Kewell is concerned in a bid to keep him at Leeds, offering the 24-year-old what is understood to be a £2.5m-per-year pay package, making him the club's highest-paid player.
McKenzie, though, is resigned to the fact that the lure of Champions League football is likely to prove too strong for ambitious Kewell, who has 12 months left on his Leeds contract.
Arsenal are favourites to sign Kewell, although the Australia international winger is apparently monitoring the David Beckham situation to see if Man Utd show any interest should the England captain move on.
However, it is Wenger leading the chase and he is set to meet with Kewell and adviser Bernie Mandic, who spoke with McKenzie about a new deal on Friday, at some point over the next few days.
"The main thing now is what Harry wants to do," admitted McKenzie. "If he wants Champions League football then he's aware of this official interest from Arsenal and he'll no doubt pursue that. I would guess he'll be talking to Arsenal and talking to Arsene Wenger at some stage this week.
"He's heard what we've got to say, so I suppose we've got to accept that he'll want to hear what they've got to say as well.
"We've done all we can for Harry and we've made what we all consider to be a very good offer.
"If Harry decides that offer's not good enough and he doesn't want to play for Leeds then that's his choice, but we had a good meeting on Friday and nothing has been decided yet. I think Harry wants to assess his various options and there's nothing more we can do until he's done that."
Given that Wenger's transfer funds are limited this summer, a player-plus cash deal for Kewell is preferable, with Jermaine Pennant the latest Gunner linked with a switch to Elland Road.
McKenzie inadvertently let the cat out of the bag yesterday when he said manager Peter Reid has his eye on England Under-21 international Pennant. Ray Parlour and Francis Jeffers have previously been mooted as players who could be heading north should Kewell's move get the green light, although McKenzie would ideally like a straight cash transaction.
"David Dein rang three weeks ago to say there was an interest, but we have had no formal offer yet," added McKenzie. "Pennant is a player Peter Reid is interested in, but it's not as specific as that; a specified exchange is not what we have in mind and Arsenal have not included his name in any dealings with us.
"The fact remains that we are still looking to keep Harry and hopeful we can reach a deal with him. The ball is in his court."
AC Milan claim to have turned down a big offer from Arsenal for their Italian international goalkeeper Christian Abbiati. Abbiati lost his first-team place last season to Brazilian Dida, but the European champions have made it clear that he remains a big part of their plans.
The club claimed: "AC Milan and Christian Abbiati have by common consent refused a mega-offer from Arsenal."
Meanwhile, Auxerre defender Philippe Mexes is keen on a move to Highbury. The highly-rated France star is one of a string of centre-backs linked with a Highbury switch as Arsene Wenger looks to strengthen his back-line ahead of next season.
And Mexes, currently at the centre of a contract dispute with the French club, has been persuaded that the Gunners would be a good option thanks to a word or two from his friend and international team-mate Thierry Henry.
"Titi has often told me how good it is in London," said Mexes. "If I could decide my future then I would leave, but I am under contract at Auxerre. If I must remain, I will be professional like I was this season."
However, Mexes is going to an industrial tribunal in order to resolve the contract dispute he believes is keeping him at the club against his will.
The 21-year-old stopper signed his first professional contract with Auxerre in June, 2000, agreeing a five-year deal at the time.
In December, 2002, he agreed a one-year extension until 2006 but, under new FIFA rules, he will be entitled to move in 2003 because he will have played for three years as a professional.
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