McKenzie knocks Kewell transfer 'farce'

Harry Kewell will not be rushed into making a decision regarding his future - but Leeds chairman John McKenzie has branded the transfer "a farce".

Just a week ahead of Kewell returning to pre-season training with Leeds, the 24-year-old has yet to make up his mind – or indicate where he will be playing come the start of the new campaign in mid-August.

Suggestions of “a mystery buyer” – with Kewell and agent Bernie Mandic in supposed secret talks with Liverpool – have today prompted chairman John McKenzie to describe the transfer saga as “a farce”.

Mandic, though, claims he has never made mention of any mystery buyer, and is now becoming so frustrated himself at the situation, he is proposing Kewell may even yet leave on a Bosman next summer.

That is the last scenario cash-strapped Leeds want as they look to raise £7m (€10m) for the Australia international winger, although they hope he will sign a new contract extension.

With Kewell out of contract in exactly a year’s time, Kewell and Mandic could wait until January when they can speak to any interested party looking to sign the player without the current requirement of clubs needing permission from Leeds.

But Mandic said: “We have not ruled out the possibility of Harry going on a Bosman if people want to keep playing these media games.

“At this stage, things are going to be resolved when Harry Kewell wants them to be resolved, not when anybody else does, otherwise we’ve no problems waiting until January.

“Harry is happy to play at Leeds United Football Club – or sit on the bench if that is what Leeds would prefer.”

Arsenal are the only club to date who have made an official approach, although it is believed they are struggling to match Leeds’ asking price, while Manchester United have made a tentative enquiry.

McKenzie, currently on business in Japan, is upset at the suggestion Liverpool have started talks with Kewell without being granted permission.

“There are rules and regulations in the football world, which are that a club would have to make an approach to us if they wanted to begin negotiations,” said McKenzie in the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“In theory the player’s agent should not be able to talk to any club without our permission.

“Now we reach the farcical situation of a mystery club if it exists at all coming in without us knowing anything about it. The whole thing is turning into a farce.”

It has long been understood a two-year offer worth £48,000 per week has been on the table for Kewell to sign, but Mandic has firmly refuted that as he added: “Leeds have not submitted an offer.

“There has been no offer of an extension of contract, although we have always stated that Leeds will get the final option.”