Kewell could play waiting game
Harry Kewell has indicated he may sit tight at Leeds and walk out for nothing next year before fulfilling his dream of playing for one of Europe’s top clubs.
With 12 months remaining on his current contract, Kewell is currently weighing up his lucrative options, with the 24-year-old due to discuss the possibility of signing a new Leeds deal when he returns from holiday next week.
However, Manchester United and Arsenal continue to be linked with Kewell, with the Gunners heading the queue, albeit manager Arsene Wenger is understood to prefer a player-plus-cash option.
The likes of Ray Parlour, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Francis Jeffers are on a list of players available to Leeds should they wish to pursue such a deal.
Arsenal’s interest, though, is only at the initial inquiry stage, with no talks having taken place primarily because Kewell has so far refused to indicate where his future lies.
But he is understandably interested in moving on to a bigger stage, although there is the prospect he will see out his contract with Leeds and leave on a Bosman transfer next summer.
When asked whether he would like to play for one of the continent’s super powers, Kewell, speaking at a public appearance for one of his sponsors in Melbourne, replied: “Of course.
“There’s a lot of big clubs out there. You’ve got AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Marseille, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool.
“I’m just going to play my contract with Leeds and see where it takes me.”
Such a prospect would not suit Leeds for they are determined Kewell either signs up or he moves on this summer as they do not want to lose another key player for nothing, or for peanuts as happened with Lee Bowyer earlier this year.
However, in terms of sitting on the fence, Kewell has also indicated for the first time he might put pen to paper with Leeds as he has his family to consider.
“I’ve still got a year left on my contract,” added Kewell. “Who knows? I might sign another contract with Leeds.
“I’m happy there at the moment. It’s a great club, a strong club, even though we didn’t have a great season. At this moment in time, I’m with Leeds.”
Despite suggestions Kewell is looking to join the elite Premiership earners if he does leave Leeds, he insists he is not greedy.
“Money is not the most important thing,” asserted Kewell.
“My family comes first and I’ve got on well with Peter Reid at Leeds since he arrived. There’s a lot to take into account.”
