Turkish offer fails to delight Leeds

Leeds have turned down an offer by Galatasaray of a loan deal for striker Mark Viduka.

The Turkish giants had hoped to sign the Australia star on a season-long loan as they are unable to meet Leeds’ asking price.

It is understood Galatasaray were willing to pay a £1.5m (€2.2m) loan arrangement fee, as well as the 28-year-old’s £65,000-a-week (€96,000-a-week) salary.

But cash-strapped Leeds, who will be playing in the newly-named Coca-Cola League next season after their recent relegation from the Premiership, are desperate to bring in as much money as possible, as quickly as possible.

Leeds are looking for a straight cash sale for Viduka this summer so have rejected the bid by Galatasaray, who are not one of Viduka’s preferred destinations.

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has long been interested, but he is expected to lose out to Spanish champions Valencia, who are primed to make their move once the Primera Liga comes to a close this weekend.

Meanwhile suggestions Tottenham have first option to sign winger James Milner have been scotched by Leeds.

It had been claimed the 18-year-old, who recently turned his back on a move to White Hart Lane in order to help the Whites’ promotion bid next season, was being touted around the Premiership to raise more money than Spurs’ initial offer.

There were also allegations Leeds would have to pay a percentage of any profit made on Milner should he be sold to another club.

But a Leeds spokesman has strongly refuted the claim and said: “That is simply not the case. We have not signed any agreement with Tottenham.

“We were obliged to pass on the offer from Spurs, but made it clear we wanted James to stay at the club.

“We were delighted he chose to remain with us and be part of the club’s future plans, and we will be sitting down in the near future to discuss a new contract.

“But there have been no deals with Tottenham or any other club.”