McKenzie - we want to keep our Kewell

Leeds chairman John McKenzie insists the club will do all it can to hang on to star player Harry Kewell.

The Australian forward has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Barcelona among others over the last couple of weeks with the Yorkshire club still in financial difficulty after over-stretching themselves under former chairman Peter Ridsdale.

However, McKenzie regards Kewell as a major asset and seems very reluctant to sell, even though he knows the player can leave on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling in 12 months’ time.

He told the Yorkshire Post: “We remain hopeful that we can sign Harry to a new deal but it does depend on whether he is hell-bent on playing in the Champions League next season.

“I hope he will stay and (Leeds manager) Peter Reid wants him to stay, but if we are not successful in persuading him to sign a new deal then we are not going to sell him for silly money.

“Even if he wants to leave, it has to be a deal that is right for the club and which mirrors our investment in him over the years.

“We are not seeking to sell anybody unless they feel they want to leave.”