Leeds deny Viduka Barca swoop

Leeds chairman John McKenzie has again been forced to dismiss rumours regarding a potential swoop for Mark Viduka from Barcelona.

Barcelona vice-president Sandro Rossell claims they have been in recent talks with Viduka’s agent, Andrea D’Amico, and are hopeful a deal will soon be concluded.

Barca are desperate to land a big-name player to appease anxious supporters following their recent failed attempts to sign David Beckham and Ronaldinho.

Viduka, who scored 22 goals for Leeds last season, would now appear to fit the bill.

But McKenzie, currently on business in Japan, is at a loss to understand Rossell’s comments as there has been no official approach from the Catalan club.

Any negotiations purportedly being conducted between Barcelona and D’Amico could represent an illegal approach as no permission has been given for such talks to take place.

Even if Barca did seek permission from McKenzie, the answer would be a resounding ‘no’ as the Australia international striker is one of the few players not for sale at Elland Road.

“There has been no approach to me and we would quite simply say no if they did make an approach,” said McKenzie.

“Peter Reid has made it clear he wants Mark to stay and we haven’t had any indication from Mark Viduka that he wants to go anywhere. That’s really the end of the story.

“I have always been up front when we have received a bid from another club and that has not been the case with Mark.”

It is a similar situation regarding fellow Australian Harry Kewell as the only firm approach has been from Arsenal.

Manchester United have also made a tentative enquiry, yet according to representative Bernie Mandic there are a number of other clubs after Kewell.

“At this stage I can confirm there are five clubs in the mix chasing Harry’s signature – AC Milan, Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United,” said Mandic.

Manic has also revealed a sixth club, understood to be Chelsea, are in the hunt for the winger who has a year remaining on his current Leeds contract.

“The British Press had him signed, sealed and delivered to Manchester United three weeks ago, then it was Arsenal, then Liverpool, but for the moment he remains a Leeds player,” added Mandic.

But as with Viduka, AC Milan, Barca, Liverpool and Chelsea are yet to approach McKenzie asking to speak to Kewell.

Olivier Dacourt’s move to Roma, meanwhile, is in the process of being finalised as all the paperwork has been lodged with the necessary governing bodies.

A deal has been concluded, with Roma paying £3.75m (€5.4m) for the France international midfielder following an initial five-month loan spell last season.

Leeds, however, are yet to receive the moey from the Serie A club, although it is a matter which is being addressed.