Following yesterday's 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest, in which only seven first team regulars appeared, O'Leary has revealed several major worries to key players - with the Champions League qualifier against TSV 1860 Munich just over a week away.

The biggest worries surround Kewell (It would have to be, wouldn't it?) and Wilcox - with the manager claiming both as major doubts for the Munich game. However, other absentees yesterday were Viduka, Bridges, McPhail, Woodgate and Radebe.

The United boss explained,"We've picked up a lot of injuries at the wrong time of the year," and added that the knock that Viduka picked up in the final game of the Scandinavian Tour was hampering his battle for full fitness, already held back by his injury at the end of his Celtic season and the problems surrounding his work permit.

We enjoyed yet another victory this afternoon: 2-1 against First division Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The game was decided by goals from Le Bowyer and Ian Harte. However, the win was overshadowed by injury worries that could affect our build up for the TSV 1860 Munich game a week on Wednesday.

For a report on the match, click here.

Jason Wilcox appears confident that the minor knee operation that took place this week will not prevent him from being available for the opening of the new Premiership campaign.

The United winger, of course, was forced to pull out of Kevin Keegan's squad for Euro 2000 to undertake the original operation. However, during last week's Scandinavian Tour, there were minor complications that forced him to return home earlier than the reast of the squad.

Speaking on United's official site, Wilcox admitted, "I was disappointed not to play a game on the pre season tour of Sweden." However, he explained that his main priority was getting fit for the Champions League clash and that "there is nothing to be gained from rushing back too soon."

Following on quickly from the announcement of ticket arrangements for the Elland Roag leg of the Champions League clash against TSV 1860 Munich, details have now been given relating to the return fixture, in Germany a fortnight later.

The game will take place at the Olympic Stadium in Munich on Wednesday 23rd August, with a kick off time of 7.45 (our time!)

It has yet to be announce which channel - if any- will televise the game live.

Following Harry's blistering season last time round, talks are set to commence over the next few days - regarding a new improved five year deal for the United star.

As well as Kewell's agent, his father will also be involved in negotiations - as Peter Risdale and the Board aim to fend away any approaches from Italian clubs.

It has been reported that he could be offered as much as £30,000 a week, compared to the £20,000 that other star players are earning at present. Risdale claims this figure is wide of the mark. However, it would appear that the club are willing to raise their wage ceiling to accommodate their most prized asset.

Just what the hell is going on? Is Ferdinand joining us or not? A couple of months ago, the papers were having us believe that he was on the verge of putting pen to paper, yet according to Peter Risdale, no official bid has even been made.

It appears to be the biggest non-event of the entire Summer's transfer madness. Yet even though Harry Redknapp yesterday categorically denied that the player had handed in a transfer request over the weekend and Peter Risdale also refuted any bid, the papers this morning are still claiming we are about to make a £10 million offer.

So what's the story? Well, firstly, most Leeds supporters would probably agree with me that £10 million is the absolute maximum we should be offering for the player. He is yet to prove he's the finished article, even at Premiership level, and is lacking experince at European and International level. To break the world transfer record for a defender, in order to win his signature, would appear rather foolhardy.

Are we genuinely interested - or has the whole story been fired solely by frustrated journalists, sniffing round for an obvious story, knowing that O'Leary is desperate for a centre back? Who knows? But given the amount of money being asked, the only possible way I can see him leaving theclub is: (a) if the Upton Park board need the money to raise the £20 million required for ground development; (b) if the price is kept 'down' to £10 million and (c) if Duberry gets a move of £3.5 million+ to Charlton or elsewhere!

The club have today announced that our season will commence on Wednesday August 9 against TSV 1860 Munich at Elland Road.

David O'Leary clearly prefered this date to the alternative of Tuesday 8th. However, it had been thought that due to pressures exerted by German TV that the game may be switched. In the end, this hasn't happened.

It was also announced that the game will be show live on On Digital....so it looks like another trip to Currys might be in the pipeline :-)

Leeds completed their Scandinavian Tour this evening with yet another thumping victory - this time 5-1 against Jonkoping Sodra IF.

Apparently, Smithy was in fine form again, bagging two more goals and maintaining his record of scoring in every match so far. However, those of you with good memories may recall Alan was on blistering form last pre-season too - so perhaps we shouldn't get too carried away yet!

As predicted yesterday, Peter Risdale has confirmed today that Michael Duberry will not be allowed to leave the club until a suitable replacement can be found. However, his response was ambiguous enough to suggest that, should a centre half be found over the next few weeks, then the ex Chelsea player could well be on his way!

Meanwhile, following weeken revelations that Rio Ferdinand had handed in a transfer request to the Upton Park board, the story has yet again been rubbished by a frustrated Harry Redknapp, who reaffirmed his stance that the player is staying firmly put!

Charlton are reportedly ready to offer £3.5 million for Michael Duberry: £1 million less than we paid for him last Summer but a fair price nonetheless.

So should he be allowed to go? Many fans would say we should bite Charlton's hand off. In reality, though, offers will probably be rejected until we find a suitable replacement - especially following the earlier departures of Hiden and Haaland, both of whom could have provided cover at centre back.

David O'Leary is 100% right in playing down the significance of results achieved during United's current Scandinavian Tour. Clearly, they are intended as little more than early match practice against 'moderate' opposition.

Still, no doubt he will have been secretly pleased by tonight's result against Lysekils - especially as debut boy Mark Viduka grabbed three goals in the 7-1 victory.

We now go on to play Jonkoping Sodra IF on Monday before returning to Blighty to continue preparation for the new campaign.

Mention Munich to most United supporters and their minds will go back to 1975 - and our ill fated European Cup Final clash against Bayern in the Parc de Princes, Paris - which we rather unfortunately lost.

Now we have been paired with the Germans again - but this time not agaiunst Bayern Munich but their neighbours TSV 1860 Munich, who finished fourth in last season's Bundesliga.

It's not the easiest of ties - considering some of the names that could have come out of the hat - and it would be a pity if our season received the crushing blow of exit from the competition before it has hardly begun. What's more, we have the slight disadvantage of playing our first match at Elland Road on either August 8 or 9. Most supporters would have preferred to get the away leg out of the way first!

After one of the most drawn out transfers in our entire history, Mark Viduka today become a Leeds player at last. His £6 million move from Celtic was finally signed, sealed and delivered when the Department of Employment and Education finally gave him a work permit - as United had confidently predicted.

He may now make his debut tomorrow, in the next game of Leeds' Scandinavian tour.

Panos Ljungskile are fourth from bottom of the Swedish First Division, having scored only 9 goals in 15 games. Yet last night, they gave a United team - using the game to give everyone an early run out - a run for their money: the final score being 5-3 to the Whites.

Leeds took charge of the game early on. After 12 minutes it was very nearly 1-0 after a dangerous cross into the PLSK area, then a couple of minutes later most spectators thought we would get a penalty after Henrik Larsson tackled a Huckerby only for the ref to signal play on.

After 20 minutes Stefan Szilagyi and Tommy Nyman switched positions with the latter being moved to play up front - and was almost immediately released by a Stefan Berdtsson header. Fortunately for us, though, the ref blew for offside.

PLSK started to come into the game more but one always had the feeling that Leeds could shift into a different gear if they wanted and sure enough the opening goal went our way after 29 minutes, when the PLSK-defence made a poor clearance from a cross and an unmarked Darren Huckerby struck the ball into the net from 18 metres out.

It was 1-1 almost immediately. This time it was the Leeds-defence that didn't clear properly and Stefan Berndtsson headed down for Fredrik Westman to score confidently from 15 metres out. Leeds' best player on the day, Darren Huckerby, had a great chance after 37 minutes but his shot went over the bar, and even though the linesman frenetically signalled goal-kick the referee awarded Leeds a corner.Very strange, and the Leeds players seemed as amazed as the spectators.

With 4 minutes remaining of the half Lee Bowyer made it 1-2 after Magnus Andersson missed while trying to punch the ball clear. A cheap and easy goal.

PLSK changed five players at half time whilst we changed our goalkeeper and two outfield players. Goran Nikolajev, on trial for the home team, introduced himself to the fans immediately by equalising after a mix up in the Leeds defence. PLSK pushed forward well and didn't give us time to clear. 2-2 after 51 minutes and PLSK continued playing well!

Two minutes after the equaliser, Daniel Gadea, another player on trial, also had a good opportunity, creating some space for himself than delivering a good shot. Fortunately Martyn saved.

Our third goal, on 62 minutes, came a little bit against the run of play but it was a beautiful goal nonetheless, Ian Harte bending a free kick from 25 metres out around the PLSK wall, giving Magnus Andersson no chance. Then our fourth goal was even better: the best of the match. Matthew Jones skipped through the PLSK defence but Andersson made a great save. The rebound went straight up in the air and Jones scored with an overhead kick!

Despite this double setback, PLSK continued playing surprisingly well. Goran Nikolajev had a nice shot saved and on 73 minutes Daniel Gadea wasone-on-one with the goalie, got past him but hit the post. It was not offside as some people claimed later, Gadea starting his run in his own half. Our fifth goal came about as the result of Darren Huckerby toying with the PLSK-defence, then releasing Alan Smith for an easy tap-in.

With 4 minutes remaining, a United defender saved off the line from a free-kick and with just two minutes left, Daniel Gadea makes it 3-5 with a smart header. PLSK finished the game with two corners, both headed off the line and in the final minute Henrik Larsson was almost clear but there was no power to his shot.

All in all, a handy work out - with another game on Saturday. All being well, Mark Viduka will be available to make his United debut in that one!

It doesn't seem like two minutes since the draw at West Ham gave us a much deserved third place in the Premiership - yet already the boys are back in action.

Albeit it's only very early pre-season friendly action but it should give us a taster of what's in store next time round - as we travel to Scandinavia to play three swedish teams within a week.

Looking at the squad, it's heartening to see very few 'donkeys' on parade. What's more, the three new faces that O'Leary is still promising before the big kick off would make us a formidable outfit indeed!

Viduka makes the 22 man line up but isn't yet allowed to play for us, Molenaar makes a much deserved and long awaited comeback, Dacourt will make his debut and there's a surprise call up for youngster Gareth Evans.

By now, it was hoped that Mark Viduka would be a bona fide Leeds United player. Unfortunately, though, the Department of Employment have had different ideas - and are forcing us to wait until Friday for their final decision. Isn't beurocracy wondeful? First UEFA, now this!

Of course, it means that we have £6 million worth of player unable to actually play for us. As a result, although Mark will travel to Sweden with the rest of the team today, he won't be able to turn out for us in the tour's opening game tomorrow.

United will find out later today whether or not Mark Viduka will finally become a Leeds player. Last week, of course, his request for a work permit was turned down, allegedly because he had not played in enough full internationals for his home country, Australia.

United were always expecting to have to go to appeal over this and so it has proved. However, they will have been heartened by Soccer Australia's support yesterday and, in particular, that of Aussie coach Frank Farina - who has locked horns with the club on several previous occasions.

Should the unthinkable happen and Viduka's application be turned down, it is uncertain what would happen. Presumably he would have to return to Celtic, even though he may now find himself surplus to requirements following their signing of Chris Sutton. Although some United supporters fans weren't initially thrilled at the prospect of the big Australian signing for us, I'm sure everyone will now be crossing their fingwers in hope that everything gets sorted today. Without him, the squad strengthening exercise promised by Peter Risdale will be looking rather sorry for itself - with Dacourt our only new face and three players leaving in the opposite direction!

Leeds continue to be linked with every defender available - as well as quite a few who obviously aren't! The two likely candidates today are Darren Williams of Sunderland and Belgium International Joos Valgaeren.

Why do clubs wait until players have had an outstanding tournament before making their intentions known? Surely there is a network of scouts out there who are paid to do nothing else but look for fresh talent. Of course, inevitably, if a player proves himself in an international tournament, such as Euro 2000, his price shoots up as demand increases for his services.

This is exactly the case with Valgaren, who turned in several impressive performances for the joint home nation. Now, as a result, Celtic are apparently willing to pay £3 million for him - so presumably the bidding starts at that price if we wish to get involved. Incidentally, he's 24 years of age and plays for Roda JC.

Another name that refuses to go away is Sunderland's Darren Williams. For those of you who have never heard of the guy, when Peter Reid purchased him for next to nothing a couple of seasons back, he was hailed as the next great thing - with Sunderland fans screming for him to be blooded straight into the full England team.

Of course, supporters and Managers are a particularly fickle bunch and last season he struggled to get into the starting eleven. As a result he today handed in a transfer request. However, it is difficult to see how his chances would be any better at Leeds!

Although the new season is still a month away, Peter Risdale has decided the time is right to sing the praises of his manager yet again. He wants to extend his contract and pay him more, despite the fact that he still has four years of his present contract to run.

Risdale explains, "We want to extend the length of the contract and increase what he earns. Alex Ferguson joined Manchester United in 1986 and my aim is to see David O'Leary break his record. I want David to be the longest serving manager in this country."

All very well - but a wise man might just wait a few months before tempting fate. Although the Boss is still well liked by 99% of the supporters, most are still to be completely convinced by his buying and selling record. What's more, in case the Chairman hasn't noticed, he still hasn't won us a trophy.

With several Sunday newspapers claiming that Arsenal's Ray Parlour is poised for a £5 million move to Sunderland, the question on most United supporters' lips is "Why the *@!* aren't we in prime position?"

If he is available, then surely he would be just the job for us. He's English and has played at the highest level in a top three side for the whole of his career. He's also one of the most underrated players in the country and, most importantly, would fill the void at the right hand side of midfield that has needed sorting for as long as most of us can remember.

It may be all 'paper talk' (again!) but if not - and Parlour was to go to the Stadium of Light, a lot of Leeds fans would be mightily cheesed off!

Leeds have been given a major boost ahead of next Friday's draw for the next qualifying round of the Champions League - with the news that they have been seeded. Unfortunately, though, the news is not yet 100% official, which will probably mean UEFA doing a complete U-turn over the next 48 hours and forcing us to play AC Milan (with both legs being played in Italy: no travelling supporters allowed!)

Putting nervous laughter to one side for a moment, the news should be good and give us the opportunity to play in the Champions League proper for the first time in our history. The only team who we may wish to avoid, should they make it past their next round, is Rangers, who could be next in line. We could do with an easier tie at this stage of the competition, even though it would bring back memories of 1992/93....when, of course, they dumped us out at a similar stage!

Having tied up Stephen McPhail on a long term improved contract this week, the Leeds board will now turn to two of our most crucial players: Harry Kewell and Nigel Martyn.

Kewell, in particular, is seen by many as a genuine world class star of the very near future - and it will be a sign of our ambition and desire to be one of the top players in English and european football as to whether we can keep hold of him over the next few years, especially as he has expressed a dsire to play abroad at some stage of his career.

United supporters will be hoping that we can get at least another two or three years out of him before he decides to spread his wings. At this point, hopefully, we will the get the payment we deserve for such a top performer. However, by then the frightening thing is that the transfer system might have been scrapped and we might end up getting a big fat zero when he decides to go. Not a particularly appetising thought!

I could hardly believe it this morning, awaking to the tones of Penny Smith on GMTV explaining that we had the worst fans in the country: top of the hooligan league! Of course, such a story is perfect fodder for the tabloids: an opportunity to bring out the old cliches and memories of rampaging skinheads in the seventies. Unfortunately, it has little to do with the present Leeds set up and, at least on the surface, appeared to be a kick in the teeth for all the good work that Peter Risdale and his team have helped to achieve in recent years.

The report is the work of MP Jim Murphy who has compiled league tables (a politician's favourite occupation!) based on the number of restraining orders supporters from different clubs have had placed on them. According to these, United 'fans' have been served with 59 banning and restricting orders out of a total of just over 150 in the whole of the Premiership.

On the surface it doesn't look too promising. However, Peter Risdale has managed to turn the tables on the tabloid headline writers and make the report sound extremely positive from Leeds' point of view.

He explains,"It's nothing to do with being top of the hooligan league. "What it is saying Leeds United are at the forefront of making sure that people who do not want to watch football but cause trouble when they come near football grounds are kept away by putting banning and restraining orders on them."

So in other words, we're doing a good job. That wasn't the message that GMTV had given at 8am this morning!

There have been so many completely fictional stories in the Press of late that it's becoming increasingly difficult to believe a single word we read.

The latest name to appear is Geremi of Real Madrid. From what I've seen of him, he looks to be a canny player - especially at the £5 million being mentioned. At 21, he's the perfect age and we've been desperate for a right sided midfielder/ winger for as long as anyone can remember.

Unfortunately, though, the story has all the hallmarks of tabloid fiction. We'll just have to wait and see!

Leeds are building a formidable team behind the scenes as well as on the pitch. Following hot on the heels of Brian Kidd's appointment as Academy Director, another highly respected player of yesteryear has joined us as his deputy.

The man in question is Brian 'Pop' Robson - who many of you will remember as a top player from his days at Newcastle, Sunderland and West Ham United. He has joined us from Sunderland, where in his time he has been reserve team manager and first team coach. He was, until recently, the Mackems' Academy Director.

As expected, Leeds have been refused a work permit for new signing MarkViduka. However, Peter Risdale has said all along that this would be the case - and that he fully expects a permit to be granted upon appeal. Quite where this would leave all parties concerned should this not prove to be the case is anyone's guess.

Meanwhile, long term Leeds target Ivan Ergic, the Australian wonderkid from Perth Glory has signed for Juventus in a £1.6 million deal. Apparently the Italians were able to offer a better all round package than us - although what kind of taste of first team action he will ge there is anyone's guess. Let's hope in a few years time, we don't look back wishing we'd offered a few pounds more!

The rumours lnking us with a massive bid for West Ham's Rio Ferdinand just won't go away. Today, the papers are once again full of stories suggesting he will be unveiled at Elland Road early next week as a £10 million+ signing.

The main problem is that Harry Redknapp insists the player is going nowhere. Having turned down a bid of £15 million for the player last season, why should he accept £10 million now, he argues.

The fact that even £10 million would seem extremely steep for a player who didn't even make the England squad for Euro 2000 seems to be passing everyone by. If our ill fated campaign in the low countries has taught us anything it is that even the best we have to offer is a long way short of our continental counterparts. Whether any centre-half is worth £10 million is open to debate. However, if we were to spend that sort of money, I would want to see an established experienced world class defender arriving: Ferdinand, in my opinion, wouldn't fit into any of these categories.

O'Leary, himself a defender of true international class, appears to find it difficult as a manager to spot a good defender. Whilst he was hastily trying to land Mills and Duberry (players who it appears he may now be willing to let go at a cut price) this time last year, for a combined fee of nearly £9 million, Vialli was bringing in Desailly for half that amount. Need I say more?

David Hopkin today signed for Bradford City for £2.5 million. The fee shatters the Bantams' previous record transfer fee and gives the ex-Crystal Palace man a much greater chance of first tram football.

Hopkin is the third player to leave the club over the Summer - following the departures of Hiden and Haaland - and, remarkably, the fourth player to join our neighbours over the last twelve months: Sharpe, Halle and Wetherall being the other three.

Hopkin, yet another Graham signing to get the big heave-ho, made a promising start to his United career when he joined from Crystal Palace in a £3.25 million deal. However, following family problems and a series of niggling injuries, his form suffered. Last season, he provided solid, if unspectacular, cover and was reduced to the role of a bit part player.

He won't exactly be missed by the Elland Road faithful. However, in their kinder moments, they would accept that he played his own small part in the success of the last couple of seasons.

David Hopkin's future at the club is looking more and more doubtful with every passing day. First Manchester City, then Everton and now Bradford City have all expressed an interest in signing the ex Crystal Palace man.

Bradford are now emerging as favourites to land him. However, the fee may still be a snag. Leeds are holding out for £3 million whilst the Bantams are only willing to pay £1 million.

The tabloids are getting really desperate in their attempts to manufacture a good story. The award for worst story of the Summer must go to 'The News of the World' today - for suggesting that the Mags might be about to take Bridges off our hands for £10 million.

Now I don't mean to be an old cynic - but aren't there a few 'problems' with this 'story':

1. Is O'Leary likely to sell his top scorer?

2. Do Newcastle have £10 million going spare? (They backed out of the Dacourt deal for financial reasons!)

3. Would Bridges want to give up the chance of Champions League football to join a mid-table outfit?

I rest my case!

Just who is the mystery centre-half O'Leary is about to sign? Throughout the close season, we have been linked with Rio Ferdinand, despite the fact that West ham have constantly denied that the player is for sale.

Yesterday, Villa manager John Gregory gave us a ll a clue, saying, "I've had one or two interesting chats with David O'Leary recently." Presumably, the players concerned are Ehiogu and Southgate - with perhaps Lee Hendrie coming into the equation too.

For me, Southgate represents the best value of the three. I've always liked the look of Ehiogu - but not at the £10 million price being quoted. Hendrie I'm not too sure about! Perhaps we could even take both Ehiogu and Southgate off Villa's hands? Duberry would then be the obvious player to be used as bait in any part-exchange deal!