Leeds reject Inter loan bid for Viduka

Mark Viduka’s short-term future with Leeds looks secure after the club today revealed turning down an offer for the striker from Inter Milan.

Viduka has long been linked with a move away from Elland Road, primarily as agent Andrea D’Amico has hawked the Australia international across Europe in the past few months.

Serie A giants Inter have made no secret of their admiration for Viduka, who was Leeds’ leading scorer last season with 22 goals.

Inter decided to make their move following Hernan Crespo’s transfer to Chelsea this week.

But they were firmly rebuffed by Leeds chairman John McKenzie as the Italian club were only looking for a loan arrangement pending a permanent deal.

McKenzie said: “Peter Reid did receive a ridiculous offer of a loan from Inter Milan, but I just turned it down.

“I made it very clear I would only sell Mark if he wanted to go and it would also be at an exceptional price.

“We have made that clear to Inter Milan as well as anybody else who has made any sort of enquiry.”

D’Amico, however, is refusing to give up hope of moving Viduka before Monday’s 5pm transfer deadline.

“If there is any possibility to do a deal, even in the last few hours, then I will not stop working,” said D’Amico.