Historical article from BBC - dated 24 June 2003

Jezzman · January 18, 2006

This article was posted on the Danish forum and it really is quite an example of just how little the media knows when it comes to transfers :D

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2996940.stm
Last Updated: Tuesday, 24 June, 2003, 11:05 GMT 12:05 UK

Kewell poised for move
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Leeds United's Harry Kewell is finally poised to decide his future - with Arsenal in pole position to clinch a £7m deal.

Elland Road officials are now virtually resigned to losing the Australian - and Kewell's representative confirmed to BBC Sport that he expects him to announce his next move by 30 June.

Barcelona had made a move for Kewell as a potential replacement for Marc Overmars, but the Holland winger is now expected to stay at the Nou Camp after fellow countryman Frank Rijkaard was named as coach.

Manchester United had also been linked with a late move for Kewell, but BBC Sport understands they have yet to make any official approach for the Australian.

Kewell's agent Bernie Mandic confirmed to this website: "I stand by what I have said all along, and that is that I expect Harry's future to be sorted out by the end of the month."

No deal has yet been done with any club, leaving the door open for a potential last-minute move.

Leeds will wait to discover Kewell's intentions before attempting to strike a deal, with Arsenal believed to prefer an exchange involving Jermaine Pennant or Ray Parlour plus £4m cash.

Kewell has held discussions with Leeds chairman John McKenzie about extending his current contract, which runs out at the end of next season.

McKenzie has made it clear Leeds will make every attempt to ensure Kewell is not allowed to leave on a free transfer.

"If someone makes a reasonable offer formally then he will have to make up his mind," said McKenzie.

"He's either going to sign up to a new contract or we will let him go if a good deal can be done."

Leeds are still waiting to discover if Aston Villa will return with an increased offer for goalkeeper Paul Robinson after a £3m bid was turned down.

Tosh · January 18, 2006

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