It appears the Mark Viduka deal is as good as done. The Aussie striker has agreed personal terms and will undergo a medical on Friday. The only slight hitch will then be to wait for his work permit to come through from the Department of Employment. However, it appears that no problems are likely here.

Mark has already started to say the right things: "There's some serious business to be done, like winning the Premiership title. And I mean winning it. No half measures." Now that's what we all like to hear!

UEFA have finally reached a decision over Harry's controversial sending off against Galatasaray at the end of April...and it's only taken them two months to state the bleeding obvious!

If you cast your minds back, Kewell was sent off before half time during the second leg of our semi-final clash with the Turks on April 20th for allegedly fouling Gheorghe Popescu. What's more, losing our most dangerous attacking player virtually handed Galatasaray the match.

After the game, video evidence clearly showed that Harry hadn't even touched Popescu, O'Leary branded the Romanian a "cheat" and UEFA cleared the Leeds player of player of blame. Bizarrely, though, a week later they back-tracked, claiming that video evidence was inadmissable and that the UEFA executive would need to meet before Kewell's ban could be lifted.

Harry has had to sweat it out ever since - until today! Of course, Popescu has received no punishment for his blatant playacting which clearly had a bearing on which team made it to the UEFA Cup final. Such is life!

Although Peter Risdale remains confident that the Mark Viduka transfer can be sorted within the next few days, he freely admits that it has been the most awkward transfer he has had to deal with during his time as United Chairman: "It's singularly the most complex and difficult transfer I have been involved with."

Leeds continue to be linked with the latest Australian wonderkid, Ivan Ergic. However, the list of clubs who are keen to take him on board makes for impressive reading: Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Hertha Berlin and Feyenoord to name but a few.

Despite his tender years, it is thought that a bid of at least £2 million might be required to tempt him away from Perth Glory. The German clubs have emerged as favourites: the main reason being that they would offer him perhaps the best opportunity of automatic first team football.

It's all gone very quiet out there! Even the Viduka transfer is still not done and dusted. Ex Celtic manager Lou Macari believes Leeds may have jumped the gun somewhat by announcing the move for Viduka so early, alerting other top clubs as to his availability. Let's hope this doesn't turn into a fiasco of Fotherbyesque proportions!

The story, first mentioned on Wednesday, linking Yugoslavian defender Zoran Mirkovic to Elland Road keeps reappearing. Could he be the defender most likely to arrive over the next week? Who knows?

However, if O'Leary is keen on the Juventus player, he may need to move sooner rather than later. Several Premiership clubs are said to be sniffing round - Arsenal amongst them - as well as Fenerbahce of Turkey.

Gary Blumberg, Lucas Radebe's agent, has rubbished reports that the Chief might be about to leave Elland Road for the lure of the lira.

AS Roma, impressed with Radebe's performances against them last season are said to be about to make a £6 million bid for the player. However, Blumberg has pointed out that Lucas "loves the club, the city and the people."

With the Viduka deal in temporary limbo, today's attention focused back on possible defensive targets. The latest name to be mentioned is Juventus' highly rated Yugoslav defender, Zoran Mirkovic. A regular in their Euro 2000 qualifying games, he was not picked for the final squad as a result of a three match ban he picked up. At 28, he would offer valuable experience to our rearguard, especially with vital Champions League games on the horizon.

Slightly more disturbing rumours surround the future of Alan Smith. Will he be allowed to go to Oldham on loan - or will Joe Royle, Leeds fan extraordinaire, pay £4 million to take the youngster to Maine Road?

The latter is unlikely. Although Smith had a poor season last time round, he was hampered by injury problems and the lack of a regular run in the first team. O'Leary would probably want to give him another chance before deciding whether he really has the ability to make the grade at the highest level.

£4 million might not be bad money for a young lad who might have already reached his peak. However, should he go on to become an absolute world-beater across the Pennines, the United Boss will be left with egg on his face once more. What's more, we don't want to get the reputation of being a 'selling club', especially with the hectic schedule facing us next season.

If Royle is really keen on signing Smithy, however, he might get them very tempted by upping the offer to 5 or 6 million!

Poor Nigel Martyn! Given five minutes to prepare for one of England's biggest games for years, after waiting for months for a chance in a competitive match, he ended up being part of the collective shambles known as 'England'!

Unfortunately, he looked a little shaky for the first goal, then gifted Romania their second with a misjudged and underhit punch. However, his cause can hardly have been helped by the fact that he was playing behind the weakest England defence in living memory. The Neville brothers - or should it be Marx - wouldn't get a place in my pub team, whilst Campbell is a shadow of the player who burst onto the International scene a couple of years ago. If Man United offered £15 million for him now, I bet Spurs would bite their hands off! The only player to emerge with any real credit fron tonight's game - following on from his Man of the Match performance against Germany, was Martin Keown.

Bad vibes! Bad vibes! Regular readers of this column will know the reservations I have over the Viduka deal...whether they are rational or not.

Already it seems that the deal has hit trouble, even before the player has signed. Last week, he was getting his retaliation in early, laying down the law to any potential buyers (clearly aimed at Leeds) that he would not sacrifive International Football for Club committments, despite the fact that it'll be our money lining his pockets. Then, he put himself firmly in the shop window for O'Leary, saying how much he'd love to play alongside Kewell.

Now he and his agent, Bernie Mandic, are claiming they know absolutely nothing about a deal which has supposedly been finalised between the two clubs. Not an ideal situation and one that will start reminding United supporters of Summers of olde when Bill Fotherby managed to set up a series of top transfer targets, publicize them, then let them slip through his fingers: the most notable being Faustino Asprilla.

According to today's newspapers, the deal to bring Mark Viduka from Celtic to Elland Road looks as good as done. The move, said to be worth around £7 million, is part of a transfer merry go round which should see Sutton join the Parkhead club for £6 million whilst Bolton's Gudjohnsen has already signed for Chelsea for £4 million. I can't help but feel that, in the long term, the latter will prove to be the best bit of business, especially as the norwegian will be linking up with Hasselbaink next season: a potent strikeforce! As for Viduka, I've yet to speak to any Leeds fans who are relishing him joining the club, such are the possible off-field problems he might bring to United. However, if he bangs enough goals in for us, I'm sure we'll soon change our tune!

Judging by the hysterical reactions around the streets of England tonight, you'd have thought we'd won Euro 2000. Unfortunately, though, in reality we had only beaten a very poor side in Germany.

OK...so we'd been waiting since 1966! But let's not kid ourselves. Despite this being the worst german side in almost half a century, they still had enough chances to bury us. Don't hold your breaths against Romania!

Following on from yesterday's bulletin, it appears that Everton have joined the list of clubs interested in signing David Hopkin. Bradford City and Manchester City, who both seem intent on making themselves our satellite clubs, have already expressed an interest.

Could the reason be the price they are being quoted? I mean, I know Hopkin's no world beater but at £2 million he would represent a good deal by today's inflated standards, especially as we paid £3.25 million for him three years ago.

Yet again, we seem intent on losing money on just about every player we sell on. Other clubs must lick their lips when they hear that a United player might be available. Never mind the new sponsorship deal with Strongbow, we ought to be sponsored by Poundstretcher!

Many United supporters are still trying to get their heads round the fact that O'Leary has allowed Alfie to leave the club - to join newly promoted Manchester City.

It's not just the fact that Haaland had become something of a cult figure amongst the fans but the total lack of logic behind the decision. Supposedly we are trying to build a bigger squad capable of challenging the likes of Man United and Arsenal next season. Yet even with incoming signings, it's difficult to see this being the case.

Take the midfield situation as an example. Haaland has been allowed to leave, Hopkin is rumoured to be on his way, Batty will be out until Christmas and Bowyer has a court case hanging over him. Even with Dacourt arriving, it's difficult to see how things will be better than last time round.

In defence, we've got rid of Hiden - who would have been a reliable back-up in times of need and Alfie, who never let us down when called upon at centre back. What's more, as with Bowyer, Woodgate's future has a cloud hanging over it as things stand at present.

Up front, Viduka's arrival looks to be very much on the cards, yet I've yet to hear a supporter who is keen on the club signing him.

It's all rather worrying!

There seem to have been different noises coming out of Elland Road over the last seven days, regarding the position of Alfie Haaland.

Yesterday, Peter Risdale defended the sale as supporters questioned the logic of getting rid of one of our most reliable and versatile players, saying "We would have been happy for Alfie to stay but he wanted the opportunity of first team football."

However, this contradicts what Haaland himself was saying this time last week: "I know it's going to be tough to get a regular place in the side but if the boss says I am part of his plans then I'm happy and I will be ready for pre-season training in July."

Who do you believe?

Although it is yet to be officially confirmed by the club, Leeds United World understands that Joe Royle has finally got his amn - and that Alfie Haaland will become a Manchester City player today.

He will sign a five year deal: the fee a reported £2.5 million.

Should everything go through, United supporters will be dismayed that yet another reliable performer has been allowed to leave relatively cheaply.

We talk about football being a squad game these todays and we will certainly need strength in depth if we are planning an assault both domestically and in Europe next season. However, in letting Alfie go, we have not only lost a battling midfielder but also a dependable centre half, who proved himself against the best in several UEFA Cup clashes last time round. We have also lost a crowd favourite who seemed keen on staying and battling for his place: much as Wetherall was during last close season.

Our squad building isn't exactly going too well so far. First Hiden was allowed to leave for a ludicrously cheap fee, now Haaland. In the other direction Dacourt has arrived for what many would argue is an inflated fee and Viduka looks set to do the same.

If we want to have a squad strong enough to challenge next time round, it looks like the Boss will need to sign six or seven players over the next couple of months!

Mark Viduka returned from Australian duty today to drop the biggest hint yet that he fancies a move to Leeds over the close season.

He claims to have chatted to Harry over the last couple of weeks and says he would be keen on linking up with Kewell should the chance arise.

However, whether supporters would see him as the ideal buy is another matter At the kind of money that is being suggested, I still feel he represents a very big gamble. He may turn out to be a superstar in the Premiership and win us the title (lets hope so!) However, I can't help but think there's a hell of a difference between playing in Scotland and England!

Having said all this, Leeds United World has consistently predicted over recent months that Viduka would be the man O'Leary would bring to Elland Road...whether you like it or not!

Harry today announced that he would be available for selection for Australia in the Olympic Tournament - in Sydney this September. The decision is not exactly surprising but yet again brings up the never ending Club v Country conflict.

Kewell said, "I came to my decision a long time ago, and I have no intention of wavering from it." He expressed the pride he still feels at "wearing the green and gold" and indeed it is perfectly understandable to see his point of view. He is regarded as a major superstar in his homeland but if he had failed to turn up to an Olympic Tournament in his own backyard, it is difficult to imagine his own supporters being too pleased with him.

However, from our point of view, it is yet another blow. Arguably, our season last time round was derailed by the lack of key players - such as Radebe - at key times and it would be a disaster if we ended up getting knocked out of the Champions League as a result of Harry's departure. After all, it is Leeds who pay his not inconsiderable wages - and suppoerters like me and you who dig deep into our pockets for the privelege.

Let's hope the Club v Country argument doesn't continue to rear its head ver the campaign...but I wouldn't hold your breath!

Another name joined the never ending list of possible Leeds targets today when England central defender Gareth Southgate expressed his desire to leave Aston Villa over the summer.

At 29, he may be a little old for O'Leary but there is no doubt that he would offer a wealth of experience. Not as spectacular or powerful as a Stam or Desailly, he is nevertheless an extremely dependable performer and at £6 million wouldn't be a bad buy.

I wish FIFA and UEFA would finally get their act together and decide upon a footballing calendar to suit everyone.

After all the hassle we had last year with the Australian FA over Harry being allowed to play for them, it looks like more aggrivation this time round - almost before a ball has been kicked.

The dilemna surrounds whether he will play for Australia in this year's Olympics: the problem being that if he does so, he will miss a chunk of our early fixtures - including our early Champions League matches.

I feel sorry for Harry as he is in a no win situation: if he doesn't play for his country, he will get major grief from Australian fans. However, it is Leeds who pay his not unsubstantial wages, a fact of which Kewell is only too aware.

The Olympic club v country dilemna might also face Lucas too - although he has hinted he might pack in his international career to concentrate on the domestic front. Let's hope he does so!

Unitred supporters will be chuffed to hear that, despite reports of Manchester City's £2.5 million interest, Alfie Haaland is more than happy to fight for his place at Elland Road - and have a crack at next season's Champions League.

He doesn't seem particularly unhappy at the lack of first team football for most of last season, saying, "I want regular football and I played the last few games for Leeds and really enjoyed it." He adds, "I know it's going to be tough to get a regular place in the side but if the boss says I am part of his plans then I'm happy and I will be ready for pre-season training in July."

On a similar note, Michael Duberry is also making the right noises about wanting to remain at the club. Rumours have been circulating over the last month that Leeds are about to sign a top class international central defender, be it Ferdinand, Campbell or Ehiogu, and that Duberry might very well be on his way, surplus to requirements.

However, he does not seem particularly perturbed: his only worry being that the one match ban he picked up as a result of being sent off in the last home game of the season against Everton, might make it difficult to break back into the team - especially if he has to dislodge a £10 million+ replacement. He comments:

"It could cost me dear because United will almost certainly bring in another defender in the close season and I will be suspended for the opening match. Those two factors combined just make it all the more difficult to get into the side.

United supporters will warm to Duberry's sense of committment but have yet to be convinced he is the finished article, capable of taking on the best forwards in Europe next time round.

After all the anxiety he faced last season, Batts has gone under the surgeon's knife - in order to finally put an end to the seemingly endless series of injuries that have dogged him since last October. However, the achilles operation will mean him missing the start of the new campaign and perhaps not being available until after the new year.

The operation has reportedly gone well, with Peter Risdale saying, "The initial reaction of our medical staff is that the operation went very well, although we cannot put a time scale on when David will be playing again."

All fans will wish him the very best of luck - especially as he was playing some of the best football of his career shortly before getting himself injured. The thought of him playing alongside Dacourt is a mouthwatering one - and will be a frightening prospect to other teams' midfields.

Reports that Manchester City are poised to make a £2.5 million bid for Alfie Haaland will be greeted by dismay by most United supporters - who view the Norwegian as something of a folk hero, despite the fact that he did not figure in too many games last season.

City manager Joe Royle today confirmed his interest, saying "It's no secret that I tried to sign Alfie on loan last season but he ended up in David O'Leary's first team. He is a versatile player who can play at centre half, full back or in midfield. I expect the two chairmen will be speaking shortly."

Haaland was not called into action until two thirds of the way through the last campaign - but as always, when he did get the nod, he never let us down. His contribution to the UEFA Cup run was noteworthy and of course his versatility is something that can prove extremely valuable when the chips are down: he can play comfortably in midfield or at centre half.

Let's hope that O'Leary learns lessons from last close season when most fans felt Wetherall would have proved a very useful squad player to have around. He bought Duberry for nearly three times the amount and ended up with an inferior player on his hands. Haaland is very much in the same mould: dependable and committed to the cause. He should not be allowed to leave, especially not for a paltry £2.5 million!

Sure enough, yesterday's story that we are about to sign Lee Hendrie from Aston Villa has been immediately rubbished by Leeds Chairman Peter Risdale. He says, "I've heard the reports but can confirm they are absolute nonsense," and added, "We have not enquired about the player and have no intention of doing so."

What a surprise!

With all the speculation that we are about to sign a major forward or central defender, it came as something as a surprise to read in today's newspapers that we are about to make a move for Aston Villa's Lee Hendrie.

There is no doubt that the player is reasonably talented but is he any better than the likes of Bowyer, Bakke, McPhail and the rest - not to mention new signing Dacourt? Midfield is ceertainly not an area we need strengthening - and I would be extremely surprised if there is any substance to this particular story.

The player himself, however, appears to have given the story some credibility by saying, "I've heard a few things about it, but I don't know what is happening because I've been away from home and I don't know how far it has gone."

Expect an official denial very shortly!

Leeds only new signing of the close season so far was today unveiled at Elland Road - and £7.2M man Olivier Dacourt said all the right things!

"I'm here to win trophies," he announced and "I'm happy to be at Leeds. It's a big club with a good manager and a good chairman."

The Dacourt press conference also coincided with the start of two major sponsorships. Strongbow have taken over from Packard Bell and it is their name that will adorn the club shirts next season. Of course, Puma have been replaced by Nike as kit designers and today saw the launch of the new home and away kit.

The home kit, plain white but classy looking, will be available to buy tomorrow: it will be interesting to see whether it will prove as popular with supporters as last season's blue away strip, which was the most successful ever in terms of sales.