Kewell’s Leeds future now looks doomed

HARRY KEWELL’S future at Leeds looked doomed yesterday when he reportedly turned down a £7 million move to Manchester United.

Kewell rejected the move because he believes he will only be a bit-part player at Old Trafford.

The Leeds striker is also angry talks have been conducted behind his back.

Kewell, 24, is now considering digging in his heels and seeing out the remaining 12 months of his Elland Road contract before leaving for Italy or Spain for nothing under the Bosman ruling.

However, Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier was also reported to have

offered £5m for the Socceroo. But Leeds insist no official bid has been tabled by either Manchester or Liverpool.

“Harry is not happy with the way this has been handled,” said a friend. “He finds it odd people would assume just because it’s Manchester United, he’ll jump at the offer.

“He’s in the mood to dig in and stay at Leeds for the time being. He’s been offered no more than the £45,000 a week he gets at Leeds and believes if he goes to United he should be among their top earners.

“He easily got the better of Rio Ferdinand when Australia beat England in February and thinks he should be given a bit more recognition. He doesn’t want to play second fiddle to the likes of Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and the rest.”

Kewell, on holiday in Portugal with his pregnant Emmerdale actress wife Sheree Murphy, is also perplexed there has been no official contact between himself and United boss Alex Ferguson.

Elsewhere, Newcastle United manager Bobby Robson has prepared fans for signing Lee Bowyer from West Ham this week by warning the

controversial midfielder to be on his best behaviour. Newcastle have so far refused to comment but Robson said the 26-year-old player must behave if he was to fit in at St James’ Park.

Bowyer, available on a free after leaving West Ham, is set to sign a £40,000 pounds-a-week, five-year deal on Tyneside.

“We have a multinational squad and we’re proud of that. We won’t do anything to jeopardise it,” Robson said. “We know he has a bit of baggage and needs some assistance but we are prepared to give it. At the same time he has to look after himself.”

Robson is a long-time admirer of the midfielder, who would link up with former Leeds team-mate and close friend Jonathan Woodgate. Robson has handled some of the game’s most difficult characters and will probably regard Bowyer as a doddle.