Judging by the reaction of United supporters today, it would appear that most would agree with me: that if Jimmy does not wish to wear the white shirt any longer, then he should be allowed to leave as soon as possible - as long as the price is right.

Eric Carlisle, the Supporters' Club Secretary, summed it up perfectly when he reminded Hasselbaink that "it was Leeds who give him his chance." He added,"He would still be rotting in some remote Portuguese team" if Graham had not seen his potential and given him an opportunity to prove his worth in the Premiership.

There would seem to be four options now open to Risdale and O'Leary as they contemplate their next move. Firstly, they could give way to Hasselbaink's wage demands of £45,000 a week. Of course, this is a non starter. Such a salary would make him the Premiership's highest earner (and even his greatest admirers wouldn't claim he's the best in the league....let alone the Leeds team!), Leeds couldn't afford to pay it - and it would be absolutely catastrophic to dressing room morale.

The second option would be to do nothing, see if the situation sorts itself out once the season gets underway and hope that a compromise can be reached at a later date. At one point yesterday, Risdale hinted at this as a possibility. However, the obvious drawbacks here are the reactions of both supporters and fellow players to an individual who has made it abundantly clear that he wants away - and the danger that any festering resentment on Hasselbaink's part could lead to an Anelka of Van Hooijdonk situation arising.

Thirdly, Leeds could force the player to honour his contract but force him to play reserve team football (or no football at all!) for two years. Such a vindictive approach, which would effectively ruin the player's career, might appear attractive to those supporters who are tired of greedy mercenaries holding clubs to ransom if they can't get their own way. However, unfortunately, Leeds too would suffer here - paying wages for no end product and losing out on a large transfer fee.

Of course, this leads us to the final option...to sell! Certainly, to me, this makes the most sense and it appears, from today's press, that this is the way the United board are now thinking. If Leeds can hold out for another million or two, pocket the £11 million+ he might fetch and spend the money on a replacement - who might very well prove to be an improvement on the original.

Whatever the case, expect things to be sorted out before next Saturday's big kick off.

In the meantime, back on the field of play, Hasselbaink played the full ninety minutes of today's friendly at Birmingham, which United won 1-0, with a first half goal from Alan Smith. Leeds' pre season record now reads: played 6, won 6, goals for 28, against 1. Let's hope this form can be extended beyond next Saturday...and for as long as possible.

Leeds were rocked today by the news that their leading scorer for the past two seasons, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, has put in an official transfer request. This development follows on from protracted contractual negotiations, which have been ongoing now for several weeks.

It appears that Hasselbaink's decision is based purely on financial grounds. Indeed, with our future looking so bright at the moment, it's difficult to imagine what other reason could be offered. Rumours are that the player has demanded at least 50 percent more than anyone else at the club. Indeed, it has even been suggested that he is demanding £45,000 per week. Whatever, it would now seem highly unlikely that Jimmy will ever pull on a Leeds shirt again.

So where does that leave us? Well, anyone who reads this News section regularly will know how highly I rate the big Dutchman. Not only is he a proven and often spectacular goalscorer but he plays a major part in our build up play. However, as a supporter, you always had the feeling - even from his on-field antics - that he had a highly inflated opinion of his own ability. Despite his goalscoring exploits he would not be at the top of most Leeds fans' 'favourites' list. The fact that he feels he can hold the club to ransom clearly illustrates the guy's arrogance.

Hopefully, the situation will now resolve itself quickly. Although the timing could have been better, with a week to go before the Premiership campaign kicks off, at least it's not going to lead to an unhappy dressing room. If I was Risdale, I would accept Athletico Madrid's £10 million offer - then O'Leary can start looking for a replacement.

Leeds today rejected an official £10 million bid from Athletico Madrid for the services of Jimmy Hasselbaink. After a board meeting, Risdale emerged to announce that we are a buying, not a selling club - and that they hadn't given £15 million to O'Leary for team strengthening, in order to sell our leading scorer of the last two seasons. Let's just hope that's an end to matters and that the Dutchman will now tie himself to us for a further four years - and by doing so, make himself the most well paid player at the club.

Last night's match at the McAlpine Stadium reinforced United's excellent pre-season form, as we ran out emphatic 5-0 winners. Goals from Jimmy (2), Harry (2) and Smithy were the end products of an excellent all round team performance.

O'Leary must now be hoping that we can keep this run going into the Premiership campaign in just over a week's time. The only other 'friendly' left to play is away to Birmingham City on Saturday.

Leeds have now played five 'warm up' games, scoring an unbelievable 27 goals in the process - whilst conceding just one. It may be early days yet - but I certainly can't remember a pre-season as productive as this!

Leeds take on Huddersfield Town tonight, at the McAlpine Stadium, in their penultimate build up game, prior to the start of the new Premiership campaign. O'Leary is expected to name a strong squad, in order to build up everyone's fitness for a week and a half's time. Recent signings, Michael Duberry and Michael Bridges, are both expected to start.

Of course. the game gives Clyde Wijnhard an immediate opportunity to turn out against the team he's just left. He's certainly made a highly dignified exit from the club, bearing no grudges whatsoever and predicting great things for us next time round. I, for one, think he might just make a name for himself in the Nationwide League, especially if he's part of an Huddersfield team doing well. It wouldn't surprise me at all if in twelve months' time, the Terriers' £1 million looks like a sound piece of investment.

Thinking ahead to the future, though, I'm looking forward with some excitement to see how the Hasselbaink/ Bridges partnership develops. With Alan Smith breathing right down the latter's neck, we now look as strong up front as we have for some time. However, I think Bridges deserves a chance to prove himself as first choice from the start, especially given the club's outlay for him. Having seen him on several occasions last season, at Sunderland, I think, given the breaks that all goalscorers need, he could develop into a top rate striker.

Squad numbers for the forthcoming season always give an interesting insight into what might be at the back of a manager's mind - and this season's list is no different. Before commenting further, here's the complete squad:

1. Nigel Martyn 2. Gary Kelly 3. Ian Harte 4. Alf Inge Haaland 5. Lucas Radebe 6. Jonathan Woodgate 7. David Hopkin 8. Michael Bridges 9. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink 10. Harry Kewell 11. Lee Bowyer 12. Alan Smith 13. Paul Robinson 14. Stephen McPhail 15. Bruno Ribeiro 16. Danny Granville 18. Danny Mills 19. Eirik Bakke 20. Matthew Jones 21. Martin Hiden 22. Michael Duberry 23. David Batty 25. David Robertson 26. Derek Lilley 27. Alan Maybury 28. Paul Shepherd 29. Mark Jackson 30. Robert Molenaar 31. Tommy Knarvik 33. Wesley Boyle 34. Kevin Dixon 35. Lee Matthews 37. Tony Hackworth 38. Damion Lynch 39. Gareth Evans 40. Simon Watson 41. Brian Lagan 42. Kevin Evans 43. Warren Feeney

So what's the score? Well one thing is certain...there can't be many other clubs whose squad numbers for 1999-2000 are so different from the start of the previous campaign. Of course, this is not just a case of players arriving and departing but also a reflection of the faith which O'Leary has in giving youth a chance.

Leaving aside the newcomers - Bakke, Mills, Duberry and Bridges - and Batty, who arrived during the last campaign, it is interesting to note that, of the other 34 players listed above, 18 were absent from the 1998-99 squad, named in July 98. Of course, these include players such as Woodgate, Smith, McPhail and Robinson, to name but a few. This surely must be a great boost for players like Lagan, Evans and Feeney, who are on the fringe of the squad this time round.

Of the first eleven, it is interesting to see that Kelly has been listed at number 2, ahead of Mills. Is this of any significance, as to what might be in O'Leary's mind for the opening game against Derby in a fortnight's time? Similarly, Bridges just gets the nod over Smith, despite the latter's prolific pre-season record. Lastly, it's perhaps a little surprising to see Ribeiro placed so high on the list, especially since he didn't travel with the first team squad to Scandinavia.

Leeds beat Whitby Town 2-1 tonight, with what was primarily a second-string eleven. The main exception, however, was new £5 million signing Michael Bridges, who managed to get on the scoresheet on his debut. O'Leary clearly wants to get his record signing as much match practice as possible, prior to our opening game of the Premiership campaign, against Derby in less than a fortnight's time. With this in mind, Bridges looks set to play against Huddersfield on Wednesday night, then at Birmingham on Saturday. For the record, Bridges opened the scoring tonight with a header, following a cross from Matthew Jones. The latter then added a second after good work by McPhail, before Whitby Town pulled back a consolation goal through a rather strangely conceded penalty. The only down side to the evening's events were injuries to Ribeiro, Boyle and, most worryingly, Bakke, who picked up a late ankle injury.

The slightly surprising news to emerge today concerns the loan of Danny Granville to Manchester City for a three month period, with the possibility of a permanent move to follow. Gary Kelly's injury problems over the past twelve months and our subsequent lack of cover at right back go to prove the need for competition in all areas of the park. With Robertson a spent force and Granville now looking likely to have a future elsewhere, Harte looks like being the only recognised left back at the club. I wouldn't have thought that was the healthiest of situations. What's more, given our recent track record of offloading players at cut price rates, it is to be hoped that, if Granville does make the move to Maine Road a permanent one, then we'll manage to recoup most of the £1.6 milion we paid for him.

Just when everything seemed to be going like clockwork, both on and off the park, a little dark cloud has descended over us this weekend. Instead of concentrating on yesterday's fine win in Glasgow, the papers over the last couple of days seem to have been focusing on Jimmy's contractual negotiations.

The Athletico Madrid story - namely, that they are willing to offer £10 million for our star striker - has been doing the rounds for ages, as has the warning that if the board sell any of O'Leary's top players, without first getting his consent, then he will quit. So what's new? Well, not a lot really, other than the fact that United are sufficiently concerned about the rumours to issue a statement - stressing the solidarity between board and Manager. Is there any smoke without fire? Let's hope so, as the last thing we need right now is someone rocking the boat.

In today's papers, the rumours have continued, suggesting that Hasselbaink is demanding £2 million a year, that would make him twice as well paid as our other top earners. Also, that Jimmy's assertion that he is easily our best player (Has he ever actually said this?) could cause a dressing room revolt on the scale of Hooijdonk at Forest last season.

My own personal view? Well firstly, as much as I admire Jimmy, I'm not sure he would be regarded as our top player; secondly, if the story is remotely true, he hasn't got a chance in hell of getting the board to smash the club's wage structure to appease him; thirdly, my suspicions are that this is yet another example of the southern press's desire to sabotage what they know could be a highly successful season for us. Until you hear it from the mouths of the key personalities, then take all these stories with a very large pinch of salt.

Leeds continued their highly impressive pre-season form this afternoon with a 2-1 victory over Celtic at Parkhead. It was John Barnes' first home match in charge of the team, but most observers reckoned that there was a huge difference in class between the representatives of their respective Premierships.

United got onto the scoresheet as early as the 11th minute, when a long range effort from Danny Mills was fumbled by Gould, in the Celtic goal, only to be tapped in by Alan Smith. The game was then killed off by a bizarre own goal. Again, Smith was heavily involved, sending over the cross which was deflected into his own net by Olivier Tebily. At this point the traveling Leeds fans amongst a crowd of 52,715 saw their team start to play some exhibition stuff, until Bobby Petta pulled back a consolation goal for the Bhoys five minutes from time.

Just when it seemed as though Leeds might have to wait to get Michael Bridges, he has signed for us today - in a deal which could eventually be worth as much as £5 million.

The deal has finally put to rest the doubts of many supporters - myself included - that the board might not be willing to compete at the top end of the transfer market. I don't think anyone can complain at the £14 million Risdale and his board have provided for team strengthening. It's up to O'Leary and his players now to fulfill the potential shown l;act season.

Bridges, for me, represents the most exciting signing of the close season. Living in the north-east, I occasionally get a chance to visit the Stadium of Light and, from what I've seen, we are getting a real gem. The fact that he couldn't play regular first team football last season is only due to the phenomenal goalscoring record of Kevin Phillips. During his time with the Mackems, he was a real crowd favourite and regarded very much as a big star of the future. He hasn't quite done it yet - but, if all goes well at Leeds, he could be huge.

He's already saying all the right things too: that he can't wait "to pull the white shirt on for the first time", that he believes Leeds are "assembling the best crop of young players in the country" and that he can "see us challenging for honours now and for years to come". Let's hope so, Michael!

It's all gone very quiet at the moment, with Leeds preparing for Saturday's near sell out at Celtic. Following on from the success of the Scandinavian tour, this should prove a much sterner test for United.

On the Michael Bridges front, a state of complete deadlock seems to have been reached. Bob Murray seems to have a real downer on him signing for us but, with Peter Reid notorious for not 'forgiving and forgetting', the Mackems only solution would seem to be to stick the player in the reserves for a season or, what seems to be even more likely, just freeze him out completely for the last year of his contract. That a club of Sunderland's relatively low spending power would be willing to wave goodbye to £4 million, in order to teach the young lad a lesson, seems a rather unlikely long term option. All in all, then, with Bridges reportedly extremely keen on joining us at Elland Road, a move still seems on the cards, but perhaps later rather than sooner.

United returned back to Blighty today, following a highly successful Scandinavian tour. O'Leary commented on how well the newcomers had settled into the squad and just how good the team spirit was. As was the case last season, this should take us a long way during the next campaign, all being well.

There will, apparently, be no fresh bid for Michael Bridges, with United now waiting for Sunderland to make the next move. Risdale is obviously gambling again here, feeling that we have a strong hand - with Spurs no longer in the race and Villa now seemingly looking elsewhere. But, as we've stated several times over the close season, would you want Mr Risdale on your team during a make-or-break Poker game? One thing is certain, with Wijnhard now departed, we definitely need some strength in depth up front. I don't think we ought to read too much into the Scandinavian results, as uplifting as they were. Things will be very different in three weeks time when the season begins for real.

Clyde Wijnhard today duly completed his £750,000 move to Huddersfield Town, the terriers signing him on until 2002. It will be interesting to see how he copes with the First Division. If I was a gambling man, I would expect him to bag his fair share of goals in what is a very mediocre league.

Meanwhile, in the final game of our Scandinavian tour, we enjoyed another comfortable victory: this time, 4-0 against Bodens BK. David Hopkin opened the scoring in the first half hour, Ian Harte bagged himself a couple of goals, whilst Jimmy scored his fifth goal in just three games.

Leeds now return home tomorrow, ending a highly successful tour which as seen them score 20 goals without reply.

In a much more hard fought game, United beat Tervarit RY today 1-0, the winning goal coming from Hasselbaink. Leeds will now be hoping to make it three out of three on Monday, when they take on Boden BK, before returning home on Tuesday.

Clyde Wijnhard today decided to join Huddersfield Town and, pending a medical, will finalise the move over the weekend. But...what a surprise! The £1 million asking fee, which has been widely quoted over recent weeks, turns out to be £750,000! Those of you who read this column regularly will be aware of my views on the matter: namely, why is it we are quoted astronomical fees for the players we are interested in, whilst those we sell on to other clubs seem to go for bargain basement fees?

I mean to say, although Wijnhard did not turn out to be the world-beater we might have hoped for, his total of four goals in only a limited number of starts didn't exactly make him the flop of all time, either. His goalscoring in the reserves suggested that there might possibly still be better to come - so to sell him for half the price we paid for him just twelve months ago seems to me to be absolute financial nonsense.

How much now for Bruno Ribeiro?

With Leeds still away on their Scandinavian tour, everything has gone very quiet on the transfer front today. There is no more news on the Bridges saga - and it looks as though that might be the case until O'Leary returns from Sweden next Tuesday. Elsewhere, Clyde Wijnhard is still mulling over Huddersfield's £1 million offer for his services. At present, he is training with the reserves at Catterick garrison.

Leeds began their Scandinavian tour tonight with a hard fought victory, in a tight even game against Byske IF......winning 15-0!!

The Fourth Division part-timers obviously didn't provide particularly stern opposition, but the United management team were still delighted with the run out - and by the commitment shown by all the players, who could have been excused if they had coasted towards the end.

The newly strengthened squad enabled O'Leary to use all his squad players - other than Radebe, who was rested. The only two players who remained on the park throughout were McPhail and Smith. Indeed, with this in mind, it was interesting to compare the performances of what were basically two completely different sides, in the two halves. For what it's worth, the second-half team won that particular battle, scoring 9, as opposed to 6 in the opening half.

For the record, the scorers were: Smith (17, 57, 72, 78), Hasselbaink (19, 35, 40), Kelly (55, 65), McPhail (12), Hopkin (42), Haaland (47), Jones (75), Kewell (84) and Bowyer (86).

One thing that will have delighted O'Leary will have been the returns of Kelly and Hiden, from injury. In particular, an in-form, injury free Gary Kelly would be a great boost to the squad!

Elsewhere...still no news on Bridges, but United still haven't given up hope of signing him by the end of the week whilst Wijnhard is still considering Huddersfield's £1 million offer, to take him to the McAlpine Stadium. Finally, Kieron Dyer, who was a long term Leeds target earlier in the season, has finally left Ipswich, joining Newcastle united for £6 million.

As predicted, there was no news today on the Bridges' transfer, as Sunderland continue to play it cool over Leeds' offer. On a connected issue, it was interesting to read O'Leary reiterating his view from last season that we "are not a big spending club", admitting that he can't compete with the likes of Ferguson, Wenger, Vialli and Graham. Well...fair enough - to a certain extent - with the first two, but surely as a single club city we ought to be aiming to match Chelsea and Spurs. The latter, in particular, have a similar turnover to us and, actually, slightly lower home attendances.

Of course, this is leading to the point that, if Bridges comes in, other 'fringe' squad members will need to leave, to "balance the books". But who exactly could these players be? Robertson? Ribeiro? Lilley? Wijnhard? I'm sure no supporters would be surprised to see any of these go - but for how much? Considering the paltry sum achieved by the combined sale of Halle, Sharpe and Wetherall, you couldn't imagine the afore-mentioned quartet raising much more, could you?

One thing, in my opinion, is certain. With Wijnhard and Lilley both looking likely to leave and reserve star, Tony Hackworth out with a long term injury, the need to purchase a striker - be it Bridges or another - is paramount. Otherwise, it is going to be a nail biting season, knowing that any injury or suspension suffered by Jimmy or Smithy, would leave us severely wanting.

Leeds today completed the signing of Michael Duberry, from Chelsea, for what could turn out to be as much as £5 million - obviously a club record. The deal is still subject to a medical which, hopefully, will take place later tonight. If all goes well, Duberry will be joining the rest of his teammates tomorrow, as they jet off to start their pre-season Scandinavian tour.

Elsewhere, there has been no further developments on the Michael Bridges front. Sunderland are still not keen on Leeds' offer and are said to be furious that the player did not join Spurs at the weekend. Leeds are surely still favourites to sign him - but, according sources - there may be a few days lapse before we hear any more about the matter.

Back to the Scandinavian Tour, O'Leary named a 20 man squad, containing the new summer signings as well as players who have just recovered from injury. If Duberry is added to the list, it starts to look like a very solid squad, with no obvious weak links:

Martyn, Robinson, Mills, Kelly, Radebe, Hiden, Woodgate, Harte, Granville, Bowyer, Hopkin, McPhail, Haaland, Kewell, Batty, Bakke, Smith, Jones, Hasselbaink, Duberry (all being well!)

The squad set off tomorrow, playing the following games, before returning in a week's time:

The Bridges' soap opera goes on and on and on....Yesterday, his move to Spurs was far from complete...today it collapsed! With Villa's interest in the player rather ambiguous, then surely that must leave us as favourites! And what of Mr Risdale's reaction? After all, 48 hours ago, it looked like Bridges had slipped through our fingers...so surely now, he must be delighted to be still in the race?

He says that he will make sure either he or O'Leary "contact Sunderland and remind them that we have put in a bid for him." Inspired stuff eh? And what exactly is Leeds' bid? When it looked like we'd lost him to Spurs, Risdale said he would match the Londoners' bid: now, according to Radio 5, the bid is said to fall short of what Tottenham offered. The truth is out there...Just make sure, Peter, that you deliver the player, now. There can certainly be no excuses for not doing so.

In the midst of my vitriolic entry, yesterday, I made the proviso,"...unless something dramatic happens within the next week..."

Well, less than 24 hours later and things have changed considerably. According to reports, Michael Duberry will join us early next week for £4.5 million, whilst Michael Bridges move to Spurs is apparently not quite so signed and sealed, as appeared to be the case late yesterday evening.

Risdale now says he'll match Spurs' offer for the Sunderland striker, although Villa are also keeping an eye on the situation, waiting in the wings.

Presuming the Duberry deal goes through (and, as Leeds supporters, aren't we always pleased when the player signs on the dotted line?), my concerns over lack of central defensive cover are eased somewhat. I still think he's a little overpriced but, at the end of the day, we need to pay the going rates - and I'll be pleased to see us actually get one of our 'targets'.

I still feel, though, that the Bridges deal is the crucial benchmark of our ambition. I hope Risdale's last minute intervention isn't a cynical attempt to appease the Leeds fans - as if to say, "Well, we tried...". Even more so, now, I think it's essential that O'Leary gets his man. The fact that this would also send a big two fingered gesture in the direction of George Graham would be an added bonus.

The inevitable conclusion to the Bridges saga....but with a nasty little twist in the tail! The Sunderland striker has been signed by Spurs for £5 million!

No doubt, George Graham has been a long time admirer of the player (note the touch of irony, here) - but how much sweeter the fact that yet again he's managed to grab a top quality player from right under our noses. What's more, with the acquisition of Bridges and Korsten, he no doubt feels vindicated in his criticism of the Leeds board - for not backing him financially.

And where does this leave us? Well, unless something dramatic happens within the next week, am I alone in thinking that the close season has been a personal relations disaster for us?

Supposedly, after our fourth place finish last season, we had aspirations of challenging the likes of Man U, Arsenal and Chelsea in the forthcoming campaign. Unfortunately, though, we have been shot in the foot before a football has even been kicked. Clearly, as far as the remaining Premiership clubs are concerned, we have sent a message that we have more than reached our peak. We are unwilling or unable to match the 'big boys' when it comes to signing the top names. The only players we seem capable of signing are the ones who nobody else wants (a right back for £4 million, with the impending return of Gary Kelly, might be a case in point).

If someone had told me at the start of the summer that, by the start of July, we'd have significantly weakened the centre of our defence (with the departure of Wetherall) and our strength up front (with Wijnhard's likely departure to Huddersfield), without making adequate replacements, then I, along with the majority of supporters, would have been far from pleased.

What's more, we've been let down, yet again, with the Dyer and Bridges transfer sagas and had bids for embarrassingly over-priced players, like Michael Duberry, turned down.

Compare our plight with that of Tottenham...Korsten, Perry (what a bargain at today's prices!) and now Bridges. We'd have settled for those three, wouldn't we?

A week ago, I urged Risdale to move immediately for Michael Bridges if, as has been widely reported, he is one of O'Leary's top summer targets: the reason being that a little haste might avoid a potential bidding war taking place. Unfortunately, seven days later and it looks like this is what is going to happen - with Villa, in particular, very keen on securing the Sunderland striker's services.

Today, we had a bid in excess of £3.5 million rejected - so where do we go from here? As with the Dyer situation, earlier in the close season, Bridges represents something of a gamble. At 20, he could go on to be an absolute world-beater. However, yet again, we're talking about a player with limited Premiership experience, who wasn't a regular in the Sunderland first team last season. Having said all that, at £4 million, he probably represents a better gamble than Dyer at £6 million. I guess it all depends on just how badly O'Leary wants him.

Elsewhere, as clubs continue to boost their asking prices for Leeds' targets, we continue to offload our players at bargain basement deals. The latest looks set to be Clyde Wijnhard, with a yet unnamed club offering £1 million for his services (a loss of £500,000 in just twelve months!)

This leads me to just one more point....Am I the only one getting a little tetchy about our lack of strength in certain positions, with the new season rapidly approaching. O'Leary clearly had several positions in mind, for team strengthening, at the start of the summer, two of which were central defence and up front. Yet, at present, what's actually happened? We've lost one of our most dependable centre halves, without replacing him, and now look like suffering the same fate in attack, with the loss of Wijnhard. I'm not claiming that either Wetherall or Wijnhard are superstars, but they can both do a job in emergencies. Surely, we can only afford to sell them, if better players are coming in the opposite direction. This hasn't happened so far!

The only slight crumb of comfort would seem to be the situation regarding Jimmy's impending contractual negotiations, which look a little more comforting. However, it's interesting that he has only pledged to stay in England - not necessarily to us. No doubt, however, he'll be playing his cards very close to his chest, in order to milk every last penny out of the United board. At times, I only wish Risdale was an equally good Poker player!

Some rather worrying rumours have been circulating over the last few days, that Jimmy's impending contractual talks are likely to be extremely heavy going - with the player reportedly insisting on becoming our top earner, at £25,000 a week. Whether all this is true, or just malicious rumour, will probably become clearer over the next few days. However, given some of Hasselbaink's previous comments on the subject, it wouldn't exactly come as a big surprise to find that there was an element of truth in the story. One thing certain, though, is that, with the players returning from their brief Summer holidays, the last thing O'Leary and Gray need is team spirit (which played a big part in our success, last season) being weakened, before a ball has even been kicked in anger.

What a surprise! Before Michael Bridges was transfer listed by Sunderland, he was said to be valued at around £3 million. Now, after the event - and with Risdale openly admitting the club's interest - the price seems to have shot up to £5 million. Suddenly, he doesn't seem quite such a bargain!

Yet again, Bruno seems to be getting mentioned as possible transfer bait (apparently, Peter Reid is known to be impressed by him) but how much will we get for him? Why is it we always undersell all our players? I mean, if Bridges is worth £5 million, then surely Ribeiro (who has proved himself at Premiership level) must be worth at least half this amount. I bet, though, that Leeds don't get anywhere near that amount for him in part exchange, if he is to leave.

What's more, I wish Risdale would keep his cards just a little closer to his chest. I mean, what's the point in expressing your interest for a player but saying that there's no point in rushing through the deal, then hinting that you think other clubs will be stepping up their interest next week. It's all rather bizarre....and is starting to take on a rather sad Fotherbyesque quality.

So...Wetherall is finally on his way. After earlier moves to Huddersfield and Southampton fell through, he's made the short trip down the road to Bradford City.

And how will he be remembered? Well I, for one, will miss him. Not only did he make it clear on several occasions that he was Leeds through and through and genuinely didn't want to leave the club (a rare thing these days!) but he offered solid dependable cover for Radebe and Woodgate. Despite a few limitations, he rarely let us down and in the air was as good as anyone. What's more, he scored several important goals for us along the way, none more so than a certain home game a few seasons ago, against a team from across the Pennines.

The price he's reportedly gone for also irritates the hell out of me. This morning, it was £2 million: a few hours later £1.4. One and a half million for a 28 year old with proven Premiership experience, who has played all his football at the highest level. A bargain or what? Is it my imagination or are we trying to give Bradford a fighting chance of survival? For just over £2 million, they've picked up Halle, Sharpe and now Wetherall. Their combined price has paid for Mills' right foot and, at the present going rate, would just about get us Dyer's right boot! What's more, it wouldn't surprise me to see all three of them doing a decent job in the top flight, next year.

Finally, on transfers matters, Risdale rightly bemoaned the over inflated transfer prices being quoted for English players, by clubs such as Chelsea and Ipswich. At the same moment, meanwhile, Sunderland were transfer listing their highly promising U21 international, Michael Bridges, for an alleged £3 million. If Leeds' earlier interest was genuine, the let's act NOW, not wait until another half dozen clubs are inflating his price.

The 'Sky' television fixtures were announced today and, not surprisingly, given our new found national popularity, we feature prominently in matches shown up to Christmas. The four games balance out nicely between home and away fixtures. The new dates are:

• Mon Aug 23: v Liverpool (home)
• Sun Sept 19: v Middlesbrough (home)
• Sun Nov 7: v Wimbledon (away)
• Sun Dec 19: v Chelsea (away)

For a full list of next season's fixtures, newly updated, click on 'Leeds Stats'.

On the transfer front, there were conflicting reports today regarding David Wetherall's proposed move to Southampton: one story claiming the deal was as good as done, with the other claiming that the defender had pulled the plug on the whole thing, due to geographical problems.

Elsewhere, United are said to be interested in signing Ayr United's Glynn Hurst. The 23 year old player, formerly of Elmsley Town, is a bit of a step down from the likes of Kieron Dyer and Robbie Keane....but a far more realistic capture. Don't get too excited but he's been spotted by the same scout who brought us Derek Lilley. Nuff said!

Isn't it time now for Leeds to either get Dyer on board or look elsewhere? It really is starting to get very very boring! As for the story that United have reportedly offered Wijnhard and Ribeiro PLUS £4 million to get their man (only to be turned down!), then this surely is the biggest joke of all time. Having seen first hand several First Division games last season, it is (with the exception of a handful of teams) a very very average league. With this in mind, and despite perhaps certain slight limitations at Premiership, both the afore-mentioned Leeds players would, I'm certain, do a very sound job at that level. If Ipswich really have turned down that kind of offer, for a player with absolutely no top flight experience whatsoever, then I think it's time to look elsewhere. As I've said previously, think of the standard of players you could get on the continent for that kind of money. Just look at Chelsea's most recent French acquisition for proof of that!

The fixture list was produced today - and Leeds couldn't have asked for a more interesting start to their season.

It all starts again on Saturday August 7th, when we face Derby County at home. Following the last two seasons' four goal salvos, it should make for an interesting opening. A 1-0 home win would do nicely, this time round.

Then, it's a midweek trip to the Dell, to face Southampton, on the 11th, before one of the two "games of the season" on the following Saturday (August 14th), when we face Man U at Old Trafford. If we can manage to get a result at their place so early on in the campaign, it would really set things up nicely for the next nine months.

The final two games in August should also be sell outs. Firstly, we entertain newly promoted Sunderland on the 21st, then Liverpool on the 24th. Of course, all these dates are subject to alteration by 'Sky'.

The only other real snippet of news over the last few days has been the supposed interest of Athletico Madrid in signing Jimmy, for £10 million. However, I suggest that this story - along with so many others over this closes season - should be taken with a very large pinch of salt.

Following Saturday's news, that Leeds were hoping to sign Sunderland's Michael Bridges for £3 million, there was more light shed on the situation this afternoon.

According to official sources, Leeds haven't actually made a bid for the England U21 international - but have asked to be kept informed by the north east club should the player come onto the market. As I mentioned at the weekend, Bridges is extremely well thought of by the Sunderland fans, so it came as no real surprise today to see Peter Reid issue a "Not for sale!" message to United.

Elsewhere, it appears that Wetherall's proposed move to Huddersfield has finally collapsed. However, Southampton have today come into the reckoning for his signature, with a £2 million bid. Of course, this offers Leeds' longest serving player an opportunity to remain in the Premiership. The only stumbling block might be geographical, with David firmly established in the north of England and with his wife expecting their child shortly.

Some very interesting transfer news today: namely, that Leeds are reportedly interested in signing Sunderland's England U21 forward, Michael Bridges. At only 20, he would fit the bill perfectly, in terms of age and, as an occasional visitor to the Stadium of Light myself, I know just how highly regarded he is by the supporters up there. What's more, at £3 million, he would, by today's standard, be extremely good value. With only a year left on his contract, and apparently stalling over signing an extension, a move would seem more than a possibility. However, the only thing that might stand in our way, indirectly, is that he could be used, in part payment, in a deal to take Nicky Butt to the north east - so we'll have to wait and see what materialises in the next week.

Elsewhere, the Dyer saga continues to drag slowly on. The latest twist is that the Portman Road club are now apparently considering an exchange deal, with maybe two Leeds players (plus cash) being used to secure the services of Kieron. If the players concerned are Ribeiro and Wijnhard, as has been suggested, then Ipswich can have few complaints. Both would do a very sound job in the First Division.

Danny Mills was introduced to the media today, with O'Leary explaining that he'd been after his man for the last six months. As the Leeds manager readily admits, it's a pity a deal couldn't have been forced through a couple of months earlier, as we might have saved ourselves a couple of million in the process.

Speculation now shifts as to who the next target might be - and whether we have any chance of getting him (or them!) Mills' transfer might possibly suggest that the need for a right sided midfielder, such as Dyer, has diminished somewhat. With Wetherall still looking likely to be a departure over the remainder of the summer, the likelihood of a centre half been on the shopping list is obviously increased. Duberry has already been suggested but, yet again, whether he is £3 million better than Wetherall would, in my personal opinion, be highly debatable.

The forward line would also seem to be an obvious area for strengthening, with Jimmy and Alan Smith desperately needing cover for potential injuries. With this in mind, and with news that Wolves might be ready to offload Robbie Keane, surely the Republic of Ireland international would be an excellent choice of target. He looks absolute class and would fit into O'Leary's youthful looking team with ease.

Leeds today made Danny Mills their second summer signing, as the Charlton player joined us for a reported £4 million. A good buy? Well, like I said yesterday, I think it was important, for United's credibility as a major Premiership force, to be seen to put their money where their mouths were. Having said that, £4 million does seem to be a hell of a lot of dosh to pay for a right back, especially when there were hardly a queue of other teams scrapping for his signature. Anyway, let's wish him all the best. If he can manage to keep a fully fit Gary Kelly out of the team, then he'll be some player - and probably worth every penny of the money we've just spent on him.

Danny will be officially unveiled at a Press Conference tomorrow, at Elland Road.

The weeks go by and still Eirik Bakke remains O'Leary's only Summer signing, so far. The list of possible targets seem to grow by the day but, even when players' identities are confirmed, there appears to be one common stumbling block: money!

It's difficult to know how to respond to the United's board's seeming reluctance to part with our hard earned cash. On the one hand, I think they're right not to pay some of the inflated prices being suggested for, at times, very ordinary players. Just a quick look at what happened to Blackburn last season proves indisputably that money brings absolutely no guarantee of success.

However, at the end of the day, if we wish to compete with the other teams at the top of the English Premiership, not to mention the cream of Europe, we are going to have to put our hands into our wallets at some point. It was surely fairly obvious form the very start that the asking price for a high profile English player like Dyer was going to be very substantial. All this stalling doesn't entirely put us in a positive light, especially when coupled with the meagre opening offer put in for the other main target mentioned so far, Danny Mills.

Now, apparently, Chelsea's Michael Duberry is high on our wanted list, with Leeds offering £3.5 million whilst our friends in the south are reportedly asking for a figure approaching double this. What is his true value? Well, if Wetherall is going for only £2 million, is Duberry worth much more than £4 million? Personally, I think not.

Still on the subject of money, Wetherall has still not completed his personal terms, relating to his proposed move to Huddersfield. However, with our neighbours getting more and more frustrated with the delay, and with O'Leary making his intentions clear with the approach for Duberry, it would seem that our longest serving player will shortly be making a journey away from Elland Road.

Lee Sharpe, similarly, has still not decided to finalise his move to Premiership newcomers, Bradford, a point which is apparently starting to irritate Bradford City Chairman, Geoffrey Richmond. Lee has reportedly stated that he will be sorting out his future immediately upon his return from holiday this week. However, with Bradford rapidly running out of patience, they may not even be prepare to wait so long. Manchester City are observing the situation with interest. However, even though Sharpe's transfer fee may not prove to be a problem for them, his wage demands surely will.

Keep watching this space for further developments!

With two Leeds outfield players in the England starting line up for the first time in many a long year, it's a pity they were part of such a disappointing team performance. Having said that, I don't think Batty or Woodgate could have performed much better in the circumstances. For me, the former was about the best England player on the pitch, constantly involved and even trying to get involved now and again in our rare attacking moves. As for Woodgate, at 19 years of age, he certainly didn't look out of place on the international stage, hardly putting a foot out of place over the 65 minutes he was on the pitch. It was a pity he had to be substituted, but clearly this was purely tactical and not a reflection of the youngster's performance on the day.

Elsewhere, there is still very little breakthrough on the transfer front, although the fact that Dyer and Mills were both drafted into Keegan's squad for tonight's game has probably added a few hundred thousand to their transfer fees, not to mention their wage demands.

Leeds are also apparently close to signing a top Premiership player, but as of his identity or even the position he plays, there is no news yet. If Risdale really is managing to keep things under wraps until a final deal is sorted, then that's no bad thing. But my cynical head keeps telling me it might simply be another paper story to keep us appeased for a few more days or weeks.

On the outgoing front, Gunnar Halle is apparently close to sealing a £500,000 move to Bradford City, perhaps to be joined by Lee Sharpe for an unbelievable £300,000! Yet again, some inspired financial wheeler-dealing! I mean, I know Sharpe has hardly set the world alight during his time with us, but is he really so bad that we should be contemplating losing £4.2 million on him in just three years? Clearly, the Leeds board are taking into account what are no doubt his astronomical wages, as well as the fact that, after his contract runs out shortly, he would be a free agent. Nevertheless, it doesn't seem to make great financial sense.

Whilst David Wetherall was today pondering a move to local neighbours, Huddersfield Town, his defensive partner, Jonathon Woodgate was celebrating the final icing on the cake of a stupendous first season at Elland Road - with news that Kevin Keegan had named him in his starting line up for the crucial European Championship qualifier against Bulgaria, on Wednesday night.

As regular readers of my 'News' column will already know, I, for one, will be sorry to see David leave us. Although he may not be the complete Premiership centre-half, he has rarely let us down, scored some vital goals (a certain goal against Man U springs to mind!) and, last but not least, is Leeds through and through, having made it clear on numerous occasions that he doesn't want to leave. With Woodgate and Radebe firmly cemented as O'Leary's first choice, Wetherall would certainly be in my team as a third centre back, especially with Molenaar and Hiden both out with long term injuries. If he is to sign for Huddersfield, O'Leary presumably has a replacement defender on his summer shopping list. Otherwise, we might well be a little stretched in that department next season, especially over the first few months.

Meanwhile, for Woodgate, thins just keep getting better and better. At the start of the season he was a Leeds junior. Less than a year later he's a full England international. What else can you say? If ever a player was destined for greatness, he's your man.

As I predicted in my last bulletin, another week has passed and we are no further forward on the transfer front, at least in terms of deals being actually completed. All week, we have been told that three moves are imminent but, so far, even the identities of the players concerned - apart from Dyer - are still shrouded in uncertainty.

The Dyer transfer rumblings continue to annoy. It's interesting that his agent feels that Leeds aren't serious contenders for his signature, even though Kieron has reportedly expressed his desire to come to Elland Road. Are the claims that we can't compete at the highest level, financially, true? However, whilst I agree with him that, if Leeds are aiming for the Championship next season, then they need to be in for the very best players, my worry would still be Ipswich's asking price. No doubt, whoever signs him for next season (and Middlesbrough are reportedly willing to pay over £6 million) will get a highly promising youngster, who could go on to be a world beater, but for £7.5 million, I would expect the completed article. What's more, shopping in mainland Europe would probably get you such a player - for less money.

Interestingly, with this in mind, another name that has cropped up this week may be familiar to Leeds' fans with long memories. Possibly as an alternative to Dyer, should that particular deal fall through, United are supposedly looking at Celta Vigo's right sided midfielder, Claude Makelele. Makelele, 25, is a full French international who Leeds were interested in signing a year ago, before he joined the Spanish outfit. It would be interesting to see the kind of money being asked for a player of his proven experience.

Elsewhere, nothing is certain. We seem to be no further forward with the Mills transfer, with United's offer again well short of Charlton's valuation. Meanwhile, there are rumours that Emile Heskey might be considering a move away from Filbert Street and, with less than a year left of his present contract to run, the asking price could be around the £6 million (which seems comparatively reasonable for a goalscorer). Added spice might come with the news that George Graham is very keen on signing him. I know Leeds haven't even expressed an interest yet, but it would be great if we could manage to do to Graham what he's so recently done to us - especially if it means getting a future full England international on our books, in the process.

Unless we move quickly, it's beginning to look as if getting Dyer is going to involve us in a bidding war with three or four other clubs involved. As I said the other day, £5 million would seem to me a more than reasonable offer for an exciting, but yet unproven, talent. However, with Newcastle reportedly willing to pay £6 million, then things might end up getting a little silly. One thing we do have going for us at the moment is a positive image, especially as a place where youngsters are going to be given full opportunity to shine. However, whether this will be enough to tempt Dyer, if more dosh is promised elsewhere, is anyone's guess.

Supposedly, Risdale claims that three deals could be sealed by the end of next week...but I'm sure most Leeds supporters will take this with a pinch of salt, following some of the previous pre-season transfer fiascos. Kewell, Woodgate and the rest are also about to put pen to paper within the next few days. It looks like Mr Risdale's going to be a busy man!

Last night's victory by Man U only goes to prove the wafer thin dividing line between glorious success and abject failure. Whilst they will now no doubt go down in the history books as one of the greatest ever English club sides, sailing on a sycophantic wave of media delight, I wonder if any of the Mancs fans have stopped to contemplate just how close they were to winning a big fat zero.

Bergkamp's penalty miss in the last minute of the FA Cup semi saved them from a certain exit on that particular front, Jimmy's late goal against the Gunners gave them the Premiership title and, as for last night... Well let's just say that if ever the cliche, "The trophy's got their name on it" held some truth, then last night proved it to be true.

I'm not saying they're a bad side but there is no way they have dominated in the way 'the Treble' suggests. It's simply been one of those seasons when everything they've touched has turned to gold. "Lucky Arsenal"? I think we need to change the words!

On Leeds matters, two main stories seem to be doing the rounds today. Speculation about Dyer continues to grow, with the England U21 midfielder putting in a written transfer request to the Portman Road outfit. At £5 million, then he may well turn out to be a worthwhile, if expensive, gamble. However, if Ipswich really are demanding £7.5 million, then I think we need to look elsewhere. I don't care how good the kid is, the glaring home truth is that so far he's only proved himself in a distinctly average Division One. We need to bear this in mind.

The other item surrounds David Wetherall. It seems that several clubs are monitoring his position at Leeds, where he is supposedly fifth choice behind Radebe, Woodgate, Hiden and Molenaar. However, we need to remember that the latter two are out until the turn of the year - and, even then, Wethers would be in my team ahead of Hiden, any time. The player is United through and through and has rarely let us down over the years. Even at £2.5 he would be good business for any buying club. If Leeds let him go for the £1.5 that Blackburn have reportedly offered (How much did that bunch of losers pay for that international class centre back, Christian Dailly?), then they want shooting.

As anticipated, Eirik Bakke today became O'Leary's first signing of the Summer. The Leeds manager claims he has signed the 21 year old Norwegian international initially as a squad man, but the player himself is confident he can make a push into the United first team sooner rather than later.

He certainly seemed keen to join us, which shouldn't be scoffed at, especially after the recent Korsten debacle. Compared in some quarters as a young Gary McAllister, Leeds supporters will be hoping that he has a similar impact.

Silliest rumour of the week - or is it? Just like Redknapp before him, Solskjaer has supposedly been spotted in the Leeds car park. Despite his red connections, he certainly would be an exciting signing and could be an ideal foil for Jimmy, in attack. Whether we would be able to afford him is another matter, but he would presumably come a lot cheaper than Chris Sutton, which should please Peter Risdale.

Oh well, we're a week into the close season and the only football available watching Man Utd beat everyone in sight. Never mind, I'm sure our old pals Bayern Munich can do us a few favours on Wednesday night. I wonder whether we can count on the same high standard of refereeing we received, back in 1975! Of course, looking back on that fateful night reminds me of a subtle difference between Revie's Whites reaching that final and Fergie's team of overpaid poseurs this year: we actually were Champions, having won the league the previous season!

Onto whiter issues - there is, unsurprisingly, a mass of transfer speculation around at the moment, without much in the way of concrete fact. However, it's looking more likely that Eirik Bakke could be O'Leary's first summer signing, as early as the start of next week. The Norwegian U21 international looks like a snip at £2 million, especially as he actually seems so keen to join us above anyone else.

The Dyer situation looks set to be a prolonged affair, Danny Mills a more likely prospect, whilst the suggestion that we are hot on the trail of Chris Sutton proves it really is the start of the silly season. For £10 million, Risdale will be looking for three new faces, not just one.

With Ipswich losing out yet again in last night's playoffs, it would now seem that there might be a distinct possibility that Kieron Dyer could be on his way over the Summer. After my lukewarm comments concerning his performance on Sunday, he responded last night by banging in two goals, so who knows? One thing that is certain is that the player is extremely highly rated, meaning that if Ipswich do decide to sell, there will be a queue of clubs begging for his signature, at £6 million or whatever. With this in mind, if Leeds are genuinely interested, then they need to be getting in there as soon as possible.

Other snippets today...seemingly, Harry won't be signing a new contract this week, as had previously been reported. He's away on holiday at the moment but is, apparently, due to have talks with Peter Risdale immediately upon his return. Martyn has pulled out of the England squad, due to a back injury, whilst Alfie Haaland has done likewise from the Norwegian squad.

I see Korsten has already started to make his mouth go, following his move to Spurs. Apparently, until he turned down his vastly improved contract at Leeds, he was unaware that any other clubs were interested in him. Yes, we believe you, Willem! And no doubt David O'Leary does too, judging by the fact that he hasn't spoken to Graham since the sorry affair erupted.

According to Korsten, "Spurs are a very big name, bigger than Leeds" and he's keeping his fingers crossed that the move "could lead to an international call-up". Yes, and money had nothing to do with the move then, Willem? Oh well, no doubt he's looking forward to revisiting us next season, in a Spurs shirt...if he manages to make the first team, that is!

With the 98-99 season barely over, already Leeds are being linked with just about everybody who might even be considering a move over the Summer. All the obvious ones are there, especially any big name stars from Forest (there aren't many!) and Blackburn (there are too many!), who don't fancy playing their football next season at Grimsby and Port Vale.

Chris Sutton, of course, gets a mention - but would you pay £10 million for him? I'm not denying that on his day he can look the business. However, even before his injury problems at Blackburn, he was starting to have too few good days. What's more, like so many of his Ewood Park team-mates, he is vastly overpriced. Just because Jack Walker's money led them to pay vastly inflated sums for numerous ordinary footballers doesn't mean that other clubs, without a financial fairy godmother, will do the same. If the bidding was around the £5 million for Sutton, then I'm sure we'd be interested, but with teams like Villa and Spurs sniffing around, I think we'd do best to keep well clear.

A more interesting name mentioned today was Arsenal forward, Stephen Hughes. Rated at £3.5 million, he would seem a far more viable option, the only problem being that he is predominantly left footed. Still, at that kind of money and with age on his side, I think he'd be well worth a try.

Willem Korsten today made his expected move to Tottenham. Good riddance! I just hope O'Leary takes things further and tries to get Graham into deep water with the FA.

Following on from yesterday's final match of the season, Jimmy will have to make do with a three way share of the Golden Boot, the prize given to the Premiership's top marksman. He will share the prize with Yorke and Owen, who also notched 18 Premiership goals.

By the way, he has now scored 42 goals in just 84 games. Not a bad way to spend £2 million, was it? Although, there's a guy who stands in front of me in the North Stand who isn't convinced. Even after Jimmy had scored the winner against Arsenal on Tuesday, he was still slagging the poor guy off.

Leeds today closed their Premiership campaign with a 2-2 draw against Coventry City at Highfield Road. To read the full story, click now on Match Reports.

Elsewhere, Man Utd made the most of the favour we did them on Tuesday by winning the Premiership title yet again, Southampton did their usual last day Houdini act, whilst Charlton plunged into Division One after just one season.

By the way, talking of the next Division down, did anyone see the Bolton v Ipswich game earlier? I know it's not fair to judge on just one game, but did Dyer's performance against very average opposition look like that of a £6 million player? Watch this space.

As the countdown begins to tomorrow's final Premiership match, both the management team and players were today, unsurprisingly, sounding a rallying call - that they would be aiming to finish what has been an outstanding season on a high. O'Leary looks set to put out a similar side to Tuesday's, with the possible omission of Lee Bowyer, who is suffering from an injury sustained during the Arsenal clash.

The other main news today centres around Ipswich's highly rated right-sided midfielder, Kieron Dyer, suggesting that Leeds are set to smash their transfer record to bring him to Elland Road over the summer. Of course, he fits the bill perfectly. At 20, he is just the right age and it's certainly no secret that we've been lacking a quality right sided midfielder for as long as anyone can remember.

However, talk of a possible £6 million for a player who has no Premiership experience and who has only just recovered from a broken leg would seem to me to be something of a gamble.

Of course, in any case, much will depend on whether Ipswich succeed in the end of season's play-offs. Their opening match, against Bolton at the Reebok stadium, takes place tomorrow.

With a magnificent Premiership season almost at an end, attention will now invariably switch to transfer speculation and contract negotiations. As far as the latter is concerned, there would appear to be some good news today, with both Harry Kewell and Ian Harte set to sign extensions to their present contracts.

Kewell is reportedly about to sign a new contract which will make the 20 year old one of Leeds' top earners, at around £20,000 a week. Meanwhile Harte, who could justifiably make the claim of being United's most improved player this season, is also more than happy to stay at the club for the foreseeable future. Having only one year of his present contract remaining, he is set to sign a new deal shortly.

So Blackburn are finally relegated, indisputable proof that money alone can't buy you success. Whilst most fans might have a little sympathy for the depth of their injury crisis over recent months, just taking a look at last night's teamsheet shows where the problem lies. Too many overrated players, bought at ludicrously inflated prices. What about the injury problems we've had at Leeds this season? We've overcome them and Blackburn could have done the same, had they shown a little of the bottle they displayed last night over recent months.

Funniest moment of the night? The 'Sky Sports' interview with Fergie, after the game. When asked how much sympathy he had with Brian Kidd, following the latter's relegation, the Man United manager didn't even know that Blackburn needed to win to stay up. Talk about in depth planning and research!

Man Utd or Arsenal for the title? Obviously, most of our sympathies prior to last night's game would have been with the latter, but following the way they tried to provoke a battle last night, they've rather blotted their copy book. However, the thought of Man U winning three separate trophies in just three games is truly hideously depressing. I suppose we'll just have to sit back and see how it all pans out over the next few weeks.

Not surprisingly, our victory last night has led almost everyone, including David O'Leary, to assume that the title is now Manchester United's. However, with Blackburn battling for their very lives tonight, then who knows what might still happen. Let's keep our fingers crossed that Blackburn can raise their game sufficiently.

Elsewhere, Leeds Chairman, Peter Risdale, has today strenuously denied yesterday's newspaper reports that David O'Leary will be given insufficient sums of money with which to strengthen the squad for next season. Although, quite sensibly, refusing to divulge exactly how much will be available during the close season, Risdale claims that the Leeds manager will be given the board's full backing.

Leeds beat Arsenal 1-0 tonight in an epic game at Elland Road. Read the full story in 'Match Reports'. Don't forget to take a look!

All the talk today has been of how hard Leeds will be trying to beat Arsenal tomorrow. Of course, in many ways, it wood be great to finish what has been an outstanding season with a win against the reigning Champions. But at what cost? I suppose, we'd then just have to pray that Blackburn could pull off the shock of the season, at Ewood, on Wednesday. Oh well...who was it said that football was a funny old game!

Elsewhere, the rather unsurprising news that Willem Korsten is to join up with George Graham at Spurs. All I can say is, they deserve each other. Would you buy a used car from either of them?

On a more positive note, Norwegian superkid, Eirik Bakke looks highly likely to sign for us at some point in the near future. He is said to be very impressed with the set up at the club. The only catch might still be whether Mr Graham steps in at the last second to offer him a better deal!

Another football-free weekend - and with our position in next season's UEFA Cup now secured, we can sit back and 'enjoy' the Championship and Relegation issues. Will Robson take it easy against Man Utd on Sunday? Kidd surely won't next Wednesday! And what about O'Leary? How determined will he be to thwart his former favourites on Tuesday? Who knows...but it all makes for a great close to the season.

Rumours that Eirik Bakke is poised to sign for Leeds are apparently wide of the mark. However, with the player keen to impress during his spell at the club, O'Leary has not ruled out a possible move, in the not too distant future. Supposedly, Bakke is impressed with what he's seen so far and would welcome a move. However, the words 'Willem' and 'Korsten' rapidly spring to mind, so perhaps we'd better just wait and see. His play is apparently reminiscent of our old mate, Gary McAllister!

With a highly promising season now reaching its close, attention will soon be turning to which new faces O'Leary will be bringing in over the summer months. We can expect the rumours to be breaking thick and fast!

Of course, we've already seen the start of these, the most original one so far being the supposed arrival of Jamie Redknapp. Two slightly more believable names have been linked over recent days, but what comes of them, we will have to wait and see.

Israeli striker Alan Mizrahi, 27, is said to be a United target. Most recently playing his football with Nice in France, he was a prolific scorer with Maccabi Haifa, in Israel.

Meanwhile Eirik Bakke, captain of Norway's U21 team, is training with the first team, at Thorp Arch. Rated at £2 million by his present club, Sogndal, he is described as a "midfield playmaker" - and has been the past target of Liverpool and is also said to be interesting West Ham.

Finally, Lee Bowyer last night picked up the Packard Bell Player of the Year award with Jonathan Woodgate collecting the Young Player of the Year. Both are well deserved. Congratulations!

Leeds lose out 1-0 to Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge and so will finish the season in fourth place. See 'Match Reports' for a full analysis of tonight's game.

Tomorrow's match against Chelsea offers us the opportunity to close the gap between us to just two points, with two games to go. However, defeat would maean that fourth place is where we will finish the season.

It's a sobering thought that, as well as the prestige associated with the Champions League and the chance to see the cream of European teams playing at Elland Road, the competition could be worth over £5 million to us, if we were to qualify.

David Hopkin is set to be added to the squad, after recovering from injury. However, whether he can force his way into the team which thrashed West Ham on Saturday remains to be seen.

A sunny Bank Holiday with the football world asleep. The only thought that's been crossing my mind today connects to something Richard Keys said on 'Sky' yesterday afternoon: namely, that fourth place is "likely" to be enough for a Champions League place, anyway, although UEFA have yet to finalise this. If so, it would remove the pressure totally for the last three games, wouldn't it?

Finally, like I've mentioned before, imagine the scenario....On Tuesday May 11th, an Arsenal defeat at Elland Road leaves Man Utd as Champions, with part one of the treble completed. It could very well happen!!! If so, what result would you be hoping for, that night?

Arsenal beat Derby County 1-0 at Highbury to keep up the pressure on Man United at the top of the table - and despite them producing a lack lustre performance, I'm sure I wasn't the only Leeds fan hoping for a Gunners win. It's now either Chelsea or us for that third place spot, with Wednesday's game all important. A defeat would mean third place is impossible, a draw would make it highly unlikely but a victory would leave us just two points behind with two to play.

Leeds beat West Ham 5-1 this afternoon. However, the goal frenzy was matched by red cards, with the home team finishing with just eight men. See 'Match Reports'.

By a quarter to five, tomorrow afternoon, we should have a pretty clear idea of where our season, which has been so full of promise, is going to end. With Villa playing Man Utd, if we were to get a favourable result at Upton Park, then we might well be celebrating another season of European football, next season.

The injury situation is very much the same as it was on Wednesday, with Hopkin almost certain to miss the game and Woodgate a big doubt too. However, the others should be fit to play - and Haaland returns, to boost O'Leary's squad further.

Let's hope we can get things sorted tomorrow. I wouldn't fancy sweating over the midweek trip to Stamford Bridge, knowing that we needed a win to hold onto fourth place. It would be much better knowing that fourth place was cemented and that a victory against Chelsea could push us up to third - and the Champions' League. Keep those fingers crossed!

David O'Leary was today crossing his fingers that the three key internationals who played their part in games this week - Radebe, Haaland and Batty - will return to Elland Road free from injury.

The West Ham game on Saturday is taking on greater significance now, by the fact that the Hammers are one of our biggest rivals when it comes to European qualification next season. Having said that, should we be able to pull off a victory against them, it would make us almost certain to retain fourth place and gain a place in next season's UEFA Cup.

Finally, the reserves played last night, in the Pontins' League, thumped 4-1 by Man Utd's second string. Wijnhard scored our goal, hoping to impress the Leeds Management.

The next time you're feeling down, spare a thought for Robert Molenaar. Just a few months ago, he was playing the best football of his career and, alongside Lucas, had become part of the first choice centre half pairing. Now, he is about to face a third operation on his injured knee, knowing that, if a relapse should occur again, it might very well spell the end of his career. The very best he can hope for is a January 2000 return. Good luck, Bob. Our fingers are crossed.

Elsewhere on the injury front, Woodgate and Hopkin are both struggling to be fit for Saturday's visit to Upton Park, but Jimmy, Smithy, Bowyer and Harte should all shake off their injury worries.

With Saturday's game against West Ham gaining in significance, following their recent good run, the bad news at the moment is that, even before certain players have jetted half way across the globe to risk life and limb, the Leeds' injury list is already too lengthy.

Although things will hopefully improve as the week progresses, at present Jimmy, Hopkin, Bowyer, Woodgate and Harte all have one injury or another.

Lastly, Leeds today denied that either of the overseas stars being mentioned in today's papers - Calado or Marcelino - are on O'Leary's shopping list for the summer.

Most of the newspaper reports this morning seemed to agree that Leeds could feel a little aggrieved not to have come away with the full three points in yesterday's game, especially for their all action first half performance.

Last night, our progress this season was amply illustrated at the annual PFA awards. Smith, Bowyer and Kewell were amongst a total of six nominees for PFA Young Player of the Year, with the latter managing to get third place, behind Annelka and Owen. In the Premiership team, meanwhile, his fellow professionals picked Martyn ahead of England rival, David Seaman.

Elsewhere, transfer rumours continue. This time, it is the name of Jose Calado of Benfica, whose name first appeared nearly a year ago, when George Graham was in charge. However, whether O'Leary really desperately requires another defensive midfielder is surely highly debatable.

Leeds and Man Utd draw 1-1 at Elland Road, Jimmy scoring our goal in an impressive first half display. Read the full account of the game in 'Match Reports'.

Before the match, O'Leary signed a five year contract (this time with no 'get out' clause), reportedly worth £6 million.

Another football free Saturday, as far as we're concerned, with just 24 hours to go to an even more significant Leeds/ Man U game than usual.

Today gives us a chance to consider our rivals' progress and, with so much still up in the air, where our season might finally lead. For instance, are we looking for Boro to beat the Arse today, in the vague hope that we might still catch them - or are the Gunners now the only realistic hope of Man U not wining the title? Chelsea look like their season might just possibly be about to fall apart. If Sheff Wed could do us a favour tomorrow (likely!?) and we could get a win against you know who, the gap between us would be down to just two points, with a visit to the Bridge still to come. Finally, and less optimistically, if (or rather, when) Villa beat Forest at Villa Park this afternoon, they would narrow the gap with us to just four points - although, thankfully, we would then have two games in hand over them.

It would seem another couple of victories would probably be enough to cement fourth place - but should we have any hopes of a third place finish, then five victories out of five might very well be the order of the day.

Just two days to the game of the season. Team selection is still uncertain, with Jimmy and Hopkin trying to regain full fitness in time for Sunday. However, Man U also have their problems, especially in the centre of defence. Whilst we have been robbed of the services of Haaland, due to international duty, they will be without both Johnsen and Berg. What's more, reports today suggest that Stam may also have picked up an injury during Wednesday's game.

Elsewhere, the morning news bulletins suggested that we may be entitled to Champions League qualification, in fourth place, if Man Utd win the competition. However, throughout the day, there have been conflicting stories as to whether this will actually be the case. Firstly, UEFA denied the story, saying that the only way that the fourth placed Premiership team could qualify for the competition would be if Man Utd won this year's Champions League and also finished out of the top three in the Premiership. Hardly a likely proposition. Later, though, David Davies of the FA apparently said that he would push for the fourth place to be included, should Man Utd win the European competition.

One question that does come to mind, though. Should UEFA decide that we would be entitled to a place, how many Leeds fans would find it easy to support Man Utd against Bayern Munich?

With Keegan deciding to give youth a chance for the forthcoming friendly against Hungary, many might have thought that Lee Bowyer would have received an opportunity, following his recent dazzling display with the U21 team. However, whilst the Leeds midfielder faces another outing with the U21s, there was today a shock call up for Jonathan Woodgate.

Woodgate, 19, who has made less than 30 first team appearances for us, since breaking through this season, now has a chance to cap a meteoric rise to prominence, should Keegan decide to give him a chance against the Hungarians. He will join David Batty and Nigel Martyn, as expected in the squad.

Of course, attention now switches to our biggest game of the season, on Sunday. With Jimmy still deemed likely to miss the match, Clyde Wijnhard did his chances of a recall no harm last night, with two goals in a the 4-0 Pontin's league thumping of Preston. Tony Hackworth also bagged a brace. However, Clyde looks likely to be the replacement should Jimmy fail to make the weekend starting line up.

Finally, just a thought on last night's European match. As a supporter who is genuinely sick of pundits slagging off English football in comparison to our continental counterparts, especially the Italians, it should be pleasing to see an English team reaching the Champions League final. But why did it have to be Man U?

No doubt, we will now have to listen to a month of part time glory supporters, many of whom have probably never even stepped foot into Old Trafford, wallowing in just how wonderful they are. Can you imagine, how unbearable it would be if they manage to win the treble?

With only Bayern standing before them, in the Champions League, they must have a fair chance of pulling that one off. Then, they've got Newcastle in the FA Cup final. As I've mentioned before, as a Leeds supporter based in the north east, this really is the final from hell. A true no-win situation, with either a Man Utd victory or Newcastle doing likewise, to be hailed by the locals as the greatest team ever in the history of football. It sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it!

Of course, the Premiership situation isn't sewn up yet. However, I can't help but wonder, if the position stays the same as at present (with Arsenal just behind Man U), by May 11th, where the Leeds fans priorities will lie when we play the gunners on the final home game of the season. Beating Arsenal to give Man Utd the title - and a possible treble? Now that really is the stuff that nightmares are made of!

Not too much today, other than the slightly improved news that Jimmy, although still doubtful for Sunday, is at least improving. McPhail was left out of tonight's Pontin's League fixture at Preston, fuelling speculation that he might figure in O'Leary's plans for the Man Utd game.

Elsewhere, it perhaps shouldn't be too surprising that Leeds, along with numerous other teams, are watching the progress of Ipswich's England U21 midfielder, Kieron Dyer. Reportedly, they had representatives at last night's game at Portman Road, against Stockport. Yet, whilst we need to be in the market for any class players who become available, it's difficult to imagine that signing a midfielder will be the Leeds' manager's major priority over the summer months.

So far, Jimmy hasn't definitely been ruled out of Sunday's game, but he still looks extremely doubtful. What a time to pick up your first injury of the season!

If he does fail to recover in time, who will O'Leary replace him with? Either the out and out pace of Kewell and Smith or the more muscular presence of Wijnhard? The latter is , after all, a physical copy of Jimmy, but with the slight disadvantage that he can't score a goal to save his life. Mind you, how about him playing on Sunday and scoring a couple? Stranger things have happened in football.

In midfield, Hopkin looks more likely to start. If not, O'Leary may well turn to the McPhail, who has just returned from his trip to Nigeria.

A final snippet...I know that transfer frenzy will soon be under way, but surely reports that Jamie Redknapp was spotted at Elland Road yesterday, in full interview attire, must have a more rational explanation. The truth is out there...

Aarghhh!!!....A fortnight ago (6.4.99), I wrote about my "gnawing fear" that Jimmy might miss the Man Utd game and pointed out that "It's so rare that we actually manage to meet them with something nearing a full strength team." Of course, that was in relation to the fact that Hasselbaink couldn't be suspended for that particularly game. However, I ought to have known that, having spent the whole season virtually injury free, he would manage to pick up a hamstring injury, which looks almost certain to rule him out of Sunday's battle.

To make things even worse, our midfield looks set to be somewhat depleted. Alfie will be away on international duty, whilst Hopkin also hobbled off during Saturday's game, with an ankle injury.

On a more upbeat note, O'Leary looks set to sign a five year contract, perhaps as early as the end of this week. This will come as a huge relief, as some of the tabloids have been hinting that he was so irritated by the Korsten fiasco that he was having second thoughts about whether to put pen to paper. According to Risdale, this is completely wide of the mark. Let's hope so.

Leeds fail to shine in a highly disappointing performance against Charlton, at the Valley. The game ends in a 1-1 draw. Read the full story in 'Match Reports'. Villa and West Ham both enjoy good wins, closing the gap to seven points. However, we still have a game in hand over both teams.

Leeds continue their formidable run-in to the season's close with tomorrow's trip to the Valley, to face Charlton Athletic. Like Coventry City, who United face on the final Sunday of the campaign, Charlton will be fighting for their Premiership lives, so we can expect a real battle.

O'Leary will pick from an almost identical squad to that of Monday, the only omission being Gunnar Halle, who limped off in that match. Alfie Haaland is added, but will face a late fitness check on the groin problem, which stopped him from playing against Liverpool.

'Match Reports' will feature an in-depth analysis of the game, from 5.30 tomorrow.

Just why did Korsten decide not to sign? With Leeds flying high at the moment, a UEFA Cup spot next season almost assured and, as the player himself admitted on a Radio Leeds interview at the weekend, a great team spirit amongst the camp, the situation is puzzling to say the very least. Am I just being an old cynic or has Willem been 'got at' by another club, with the promise of a bigger pay cheque than Leeds were willing to offer? One of the rumours circulating today was that Liverpool were now favourites to sign him. Whether this is just journalistic guesswork or based on fact is debatable - but it will be very interesting to see where the Dutch star ends up playing next year. If it's in the Premiership, then I don't think he can expect an easy ride on his trip to Elland Road. Thankfully, O'Leary has at least decided to wash his hands of him and he has returned to Vitesse Arnhem until the end of the season. Good riddance!

On a more pleasing note, Stephen McPhail is now available for selection for Saturday's game, having returned with Paul Donnolly from their trip to Nigeria. The Republic drew 1-1 with the host nation yesterday but were eliminated on penalties.

There were two real bolts from the blue today, with the terrible news that Robert Molenaar's injury situation has worsened - and the stunning revelation that Willem Korsten has, despite having agreed terms with the Leeds' board, decided to turn his back on us at the end of the season.

Molenaar, who has been out of the United side since suffering cruciate ligament damage, against Arsenal, on December 20th, had been pinning his hopes on returning for pre-season training in July. However, on seeing a specialist today, he received the fateful news that the ligaments had ruptured once again, a third operation would be necessary and that he could be out for as long as a year. Obviously, to say that this could possibly be a career threatening injury would not be to over-dramatise matters. A real tragedy for a player who was at the peak of his form when the injury occurred.

The Willem Korsten news has really stunned everyone at Elland Road, including David O'Leary and Peter Risdale. It appears that, after receiving the news that Leeds wanted to take him on their books permanently, Korsten then agreed terms with the United board, before mysteriously and unexpectedly pulling out. Obviously, suspicions abound that he may have been 'got at' by another Premiership club. If that proves to be the case, then you can expect this sorry tale to rumble on for some time. In the meantime, we are faced with the unpalatable prospect of presumably having a player on loan with us until the season's end, whose heart is clearly not with us. Another crying shame, as Korsten was already proving to be something of a cult figure with the Leeds fans. However, in Football today, nothing should come as a surprise. Watch this space.

Following yesterday's 0-0 draw against Liverpool, speculation has already begun on how O'Leary might strengthen his squad over the summer. Paraguayan international, Miguel Angel Benitez, 28, who plays his football in Spain, for Espanyol, has been mentioned. Chances are, though, he'll be just one of many over forthcoming weeks.

In the Liverpool game, Gunnar Halle limped off after only 20 minutes, with a knee problem. However, a precautionary scan has revealed little damage and he will be hoping to be fit for Saturday. Similarly, His Norwegian team mate, Alfie Haaland, who tweaked a groin muscle in the build up to yesterday's match, will also be hoping to be fit to face Charlton.

Leeds go into tonight's game against Liverpool, at Elland Road, knowing that a win would leave them eleven points clear of their nearest rivals, in fourth place. It would also mean eight successive top flight victories, something which even the great Revie team never managed. Finally, it would achieve a 'double' over Liverpool, something I've never experienced and that no Leeds fan has witnessed since 1971/72. It's all too good to be true, isn't it? Let's just hope Liverpool have one of their 'off' days. Once upon a time, this would have been rare indeed, but this season they haven't won an away game since the turn of the year.

Don't forget to read 'Match Reports'.

Watching the FA Cup semis this afternoon, I couldn't help but feel it could so easily have been us. Of course, as you might expect these days, both games were heavily influenced by dodgy refereeing decisions of the highest order.

Man Utd had every right to feel aggrieved by Keane's legitimate goal being disallowed (What a shame!!) However, how come the television pundits didn't make more of a fuss over the fact that Gary Neville should have received his marching orders, for two bookable offences? Incidentally, if justice had been done, he would have missed the forthcoming Elland Road clash. Irwin, too, could count himself fortunate not to have suffered the same fate. The commentators put it down to David Elleray showing 'common sense'. Fair enough, as long as he plays the part of Mr. Lenient the next time he visits us.

Finally, the Spurs v Newcastle game left me in a 'no win' situation. Living in the North East makes the prospect of the Mags winning the cup (however unlikely) an unpalatable thought. Yet Mr Graham winning two trophies in his first six months would be equally unpleasant. A 2-0 Newcastle win was probably slightly the worst of both worlds, compounded by Paul Durkin's inability to spot Dabizas's subtle handling of the ball!! However, the main questions going through my mind (and probably many other Leeds fans) were 'Why did Anderton and Ginola save their best game of the season for our cup tie?' (They were ineffective today) and 'Why did Campbell, who was a man-mountain against us, do something so completely out of character in this afternoon's match?' Oh well, that's football, I suppose.

No Premiership action for us today. However, two of our nearest challengers were in action this afternoon.

Aston Villa at last managed to produce a victory, against a Southampton side who've now lost eight away on the trot. The 3-0 win, however, still leaves Villa eight points adrift of us, having played two games more. West Ham could only manage a 0-0 scoreline against Leicester, leaving them nine points behind. Again, they've played a couple of games more.

Of course, having such a 'cushion' with our rivals only having five matches to play would normally leave us feeling completely at ease. However, although everything points to us being home and dry in fourth place, having such a tough 'run-in' still leaves just a shadow of doubt in the back of my mind. A win against Liverpool on Monday night, though, would just about seal things.

Willem Korsten was today in negotiations with the Leeds board, talks which are likely to last until next week. With no Premiership fixture on Saturday (Of course, we play Liverpool on Monday night) and our biggest rivals either inactive or involved in FA Cup ties, it looks like this weekend's main entertainment might be hoping Man Utd players can get suspensions, in readiness for our game in a fortnight's time. Dwight Yorke is only one booking away from a ban, but having seen the way he played on Wednesday night, perhaps he wouldn't be such a big loss after all.

Two Leeds youngsters shone last night, at opposite ends of the globe: Tommy Knarvik, last season's Young Player of the Year, and Steve McPhail.

Knarvik starred in Leeds final reserve game of the season, against Aston Villa, scoring two and making another, but still couldn't prevent a 4-3 Villa victory.

In Nigeria, meanwhile, McPhail scored a fantastic 25 yarder which helped Ireland to a 2-0 win against Saudi Arabia. They now need at least a point against Australia, on Saturday, to guarantee a place in the last sixteen of the tournament.

David O'Leary has decided to make Willem Korsten's loan move to Elland Road a permanent one. A pleasing decision, since the player has impressed considerably during his short time with us.

Leeds had already agreed a £1.3 million fee with his previous club, Vitesse Arnhem, so all that Korsten needs to do now is sort out his personal terms with the United board. There should be few problems there, as he is apparently very keen on staying with us.

Watch this space over the next week or so, as the Leeds manager seems destined to be bringing new faces to the club.

More good news today! Although Leeds will be without Alfie Haaland and Halle for our match of the season, on April 25th, Man Utd will be missing three of their Norwegian internationals: Solskjaer, Jonsen and Berg. The latter two, in particular, have been crucial first team figures for them in recent weeks. What will be even more entertaining is watching Sunday's FA Cup semi, when they play Arsenal, knowing that any red cards or accumulated yellows would lead to players missing the Leeds match.

On the other hand, because we don't play until Monday, against Liverpool, we won't have the same suspension worries. This is particularly good news in relation to Jimmy, who was only a single match from a ban. I must admit to have been having a gnawing fear that he might end up missing the game. It's so rare that we actually manage to meet them with something nearing a full strength team, to do us proud. Let's just hope Hasselbaink keeps himself fit over the next week and a half.

In tonight's fixtures, Villa drew with Leicester 2-2. This means that they are now eleven points behind us, having played a game more, and with only six games left to play. Unfortunately, Arsenal beat Blackburn 1-0, to move six points clear of us, but having played a game more. However, this result at least has the consolation factor that the Man U won't get the chance to run away with the title and, secondly, that Blackburn - having spent an absolute fortune this season - are still flirting perilously with the dreaded drop. I mean, I don't mean to be malicious - but I just don't have a lot of sympathy for teams who try (and fail miserably) to buy success.

Although we have a break this week, with the postponement of the Chelsea fixture, several of our rivals played today - and with pleasing results. West Ham, in fifth place, suffered a surprising home defeat by Charlton whilst Liverpool could only manage a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.

This means that the Hammers are now ten points behind us, having played a game more, whilst the scousers are an unbelievable fourteen points behind, with just a single game in hand.

Whilst I think the Leeds management team are right in constantly understating how high we might finish this season, I think that O'Leary's assertion, in Saturday's match programme, that we will need to win all four home matches to hold onto fourth place, might just be a trifle pessimistic. Don't you?

Leeds beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 at Elland Road. Their seventh successive win takes them to within just three points of second placed Arsenal.

David O'Leary was today named as Carling Manager of the Month for March. It would have been a travesty if he hadn't, as Leeds did not drop a point throughout the month - with away victories at Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday and home wins against Spurs and Derby. Let's hope that the hoodoo which has hit previous recipients does not strike tomorrow, when we will be aiming to make it seven consecutive wins, against Nottingham Forest at Elland Road.

Don't forget to read about the game in the 'Match Reports' section, tomorrow evening.

Another month begins...and what a month! Three of our four games in April are at Elland Road, culminating in the meeting with Man Utd on April 25th. Can we keep this run going? I know it's asking a lot - but if we could somehow pick up the points against Forest, Liverpool (Our first double against them in living memory?) and Charlton, what an unbelievable atmosphere there would be on Sunday the 25th. It's almost impossible to imagine.

Of course, putting dreams to one side for a moment, we have the not so small matter, at the weekend, of a Forest side clawing frantically to their rapidly diminishing hopes of Premiership survival. As of today, there isn't much team news, other than the fact that Haaland won't be meeting his old side, due to suspension, and McPhail is away on Irish U21 duties. O'Leary will be hoping that United's International contingent return home injury free and that Batty is recovered from his chest infection of a fortnight ago.

On a separate issue, UEFA have announced that the proposed UEFA Cup place, to have been given to the FA Cup winners in May, must remain within the competition - and cannot be allocated elsewhere. If this sounds confusing, hopefully the following will help clarify matters a little. As things stand, of the four FA Cup semi finalists, Spurs have already gained UEFA Cup qualification (by winning the Worthington Cup), whilst Man Utd and Arsenal are, as things stand at present, both likely to be involved in the Champions League. This would leave the ludicrous situation whereby Newcastle could get beaten by Spurs in the semi final and still qualify for Europe. Talk about devaluing a competition!

Of course, this could have a major impact on our season, as there will be no extra place given for Premiership placings. As things stand, we would qualify in fourth place - but we need to ensure that no last minute slips take place, since the fifth place team would probably miss out on Europe.

David Hopkin made his long awaited and much deserved International comeback this evening, but unfortunately ended up on the losing side, as the Scots lost 2-1 at home to the Czech republic.

The Leeds midfielder had a tidy game and was involved in two of the game's key incidents: giving away the free kick which resulted in the Czechs' opening goal, then providing the long throw, from which Jess brought Scotland back into the game in the second half.

Alfie Haaland will miss Saturday's game against his former club, Nottingham Forest, as he serves a one match suspension. However, when he faced an FA Tribunal today, for having reached 11 bookings for the season, they decided to take no further action against him. Apparently, they were swayed in their decision by the fact that one of the yellow cards had come in a pre season game with two others in reserve matches. Of course, Alfie received a further booking in our last Premiership outing, against Derby, taking his overall tally now to 12!

Isn't this a peculiar time in the season? Just at the point when things should really be hotting up - in terms of all Premiership issues - along comes an International weekend to halt any momentum dead in its tracks.

With 'Transfer Deadline Day' also gone, there's even less reason to scour the tabloid pages for juicy titbits. It really is a case of simply counting the days until Saturday's meeting with Nottingham Forest.

The only slight (non) news stories to come out of the club in the last 24 hours concern Willem Korsten, whose Leeds future apparently needs to be decided over the next three weeks. Let's just hope that O'Leary shares the fans' optimism for the performances that the Dutchman, who has turned in a series of impressive displays during his loan period.

Finally, on a less happy note, it seems that former crowd favourite, Bruno Ribeiro might be forced to quit Leeds, should the chance for first team football fail to materialise prior to the season's end. However, if so, Leeds would be hoping to recoup a lot more than the £500,000 they paid for him.

Lee Bowyer certainly did make an impact last night, when he was in inspirational form for the England U21 team, scoring twice in a 5-0 trouncing. His first goal, in particular, was a real gem. Cutting into the area from the right, he beat several defenders to finish clinically past the goalkeeper's right. His second goal was slightly more straightforward and put the icing on the cake of a polished performance.

Following the game, praise has been ringing in the midfielder's ears, not just for his goals but for his all round dynamic performance. It certainly won't have done his possibilities of a full England call up any harm at all.

There was disappointment today, when Kevin Keegan named his first England team, to face Poland at Wembley tomorrow. Unfortunately, he has gone with Seaman in goal, with Martyn having to make do with a place on the bench.

Lee Bowyer will be hoping to make an impact when England U21s take on their Polish counterparts tonight, but David Hopkin will have to wait until the midweek game against the Czech Republic to make his Scotland comeback. As expected, Saturday's game against Bosnia has been called off.

As predicted, it was all rather quiet on the transfer deadline front today, with no new faces arriving and only two departing (and even these were only loan deals).

Derek Lilley faces a relegation battle at First Division Bury, but will be glad for any first team football. Meanwhile, there was a somewhat surprise loan move for Alan Maybury who, after recovering from a troublesome shin injury, has joined Second Division Reading until the end of the season. The rumours about Clyde Wijnhard's departure proved false. Whether this was due to lack of interested parties or O'Leary sharing my concern (see yesterday) over our need for attacking cover, I'm not sure.

On the international front, David Hopkin's return to the Scotland fold looks like it might be put on hold, should the game against Bosnia be called off, as seems distinctly possible. More positively, Nigel Martyn's back injury has cleared up and he may now be in with a chance of starting the game against Poland.

Tomorrow, of course, is transfer deadline day. However, unless some real cloak and dagger stuff has been going on behind the scenes, it appears unlikely that there will be any new faces arriving at Elland Road, to boost our run-in to the season's end. However, there is more than a slight chance that several players could be heading in the opposite direction.

Lee Sharpe looks set for a return to England, following a continuation of his nightmare season, in Sampdoria. Bradford City look certainties to take him on loan to the end of the season, with a view to a permanent move, should they achieve promotion.

The other possible outgoings aren't quite as certain - but there could be moves for both Derek Lilley and Clyde Wijnhard. The former has been the supposed target of Norwich City, whilst the latter has apparently drawn the interest of another yet unnamed First Division club.

Would these be prudent moves? In Derek's case, yes, as there seems little chance of making the grade with us. In Clyde's case, though, I'm not too sure. Although he clearly hasn't lived up to pre-season hopes, he might be needed as back up, from now till the season's end, especially with Jimmy only one booking away from suspension. Presumably, O'Leary would then place all his hopes on the dynamic, if rather lightweight, pairing of Smith and Kewell.

Nigel Martyn's back problem has led to an unexpected bonus for his Elland Road understudy, Paul Robinson, who has been called into the full England squad as third keeper, behind Seaman and Walker.

Elsewhere, mystery surrounds tabloid stories that Bruno Ribeiro is unhappy at Elland Road and will be seeking a move in the close season. Although the Portuguese star hasn't featured prominently in O'Leary's first team plans, it would be a pity to lose such a valuable asset, especially as we will need more depth of squad, if we are to compete for honours next season.

Finally, news that the Arsenal home game has been put back to Tuesday 11th May means that, after the Forest match, the final three games of the season will all be live on 'Sky' - and, of course, not one will be on a Saturday. Not the most convenient scenario, when you make