Leeds looking to forge new Aussie links
Leeds United are hoping to form new ties with Australian clubs to help the Premiership strugglers sign more of the best young Aussie players.
Leeds already have a number of Australian players on their books, including Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka.
Now club chairman Peter Ridsdale has confirmed he is in "exploratory talks" with a number of unnamed clubs with a view to buildng formal relationships.
Ridsdale said the talks were at an early stage, but could help enhance Leeds' profile in Australia.
He said: "What is true is that we have got a trip with some exploratory talks about joint relationships."
This could lead to greater merchandising opportunities for the club in Australia to make it better known, said Ridsdale.
There might also be "more formal arrangements for sourcing players from Australia" - in other words, the Australian clubs could act as feeders for Leeds.
Ridsdale will fly out to Australia next week to hold talks about the feasibility of the scheme.
Kewell began the "Aussie invasion" in 1995 when he was signed by Howard Wilkinson from the NSW Soccer Academy. Last season, he picked up the PFA Young Footballer of the Year Award.
Other recent buys from Australian sides include goalkeeper Danny Milosevic and midfielder Jacob Burns.
