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LEEDS: 'NO SALES IN JANUARY'
Leeds chief executive Trevor Birch has again insisted that no player will be leaving Elland Road during January's transfer window.
With Leeds £78million in debt and up for sale as they strive to avoid the threat of administration, speculation surrounds the futures of players like Mark Viduka, Alan Smith and James Milner.
All three have been linked with possible moves to Manchester United, while Viduka is again seemingly attracting the interest of Inter Milan.
The Italian giants tried to land the Australia international on loan for the season in the summer, offering #2million for the deal, but Leeds declined.
However, Viduka is an attractive buy as he is not cup-tied in Europe and would be able to play in either the Champions League or UEFA Cup later this season.
Although Viduka has only scored three goals to date, and with his strike in the 3-2 victory over Fulham on Sunday ending a nine-match drought, he is showing signs he is back to his best following the arrival of caretaker-boss Eddie Gray.
Despite Viduka's £65,000-a-week wages, Leeds are determined to hang onto a player they see as vital if they are to avoid relegation.
"We are not commenting on speculation, but we are not looking to sell any players in January,'' confirmed Birch.
Just last week, Birch revealed it would take a staggering bid for Leeds to consider selling the 28-year-old, with only Chelsea seemingly carrying such financial muscle.
"If you get an absolute knockout offer and somebody comes in and offers £50million for Mark Viduka then you are going to think about it,'' said Birch. "But the stated objective is to retain our status as a Premier League club and you don't achieve that by selling your players - again! We are not a selling club. We won't be a selling club in January because that's not consistent with our overall objective. So selling Mark Viduka for, say £5million, and losing £25million if you get relegated, those figures don't really stack up.''
LEEDS: 'NO SALES IN JANUARY'
Leeds chief executive Trevor Birch has again insisted that no player will be leaving Elland Road during January's transfer window.
With Leeds £78million in debt and up for sale as they strive to avoid the threat of administration, speculation surrounds the futures of players like Mark Viduka, Alan Smith and James Milner.
All three have been linked with possible moves to Manchester United, while Viduka is again seemingly attracting the interest of Inter Milan.
The Italian giants tried to land the Australia international on loan for the season in the summer, offering #2million for the deal, but Leeds declined.
However, Viduka is an attractive buy as he is not cup-tied in Europe and would be able to play in either the Champions League or UEFA Cup later this season.
Although Viduka has only scored three goals to date, and with his strike in the 3-2 victory over Fulham on Sunday ending a nine-match drought, he is showing signs he is back to his best following the arrival of caretaker-boss Eddie Gray.
Despite Viduka's £65,000-a-week wages, Leeds are determined to hang onto a player they see as vital if they are to avoid relegation.
"We are not commenting on speculation, but we are not looking to sell any players in January,'' confirmed Birch.
Just last week, Birch revealed it would take a staggering bid for Leeds to consider selling the 28-year-old, with only Chelsea seemingly carrying such financial muscle.
"If you get an absolute knockout offer and somebody comes in and offers £50million for Mark Viduka then you are going to think about it,'' said Birch. "But the stated objective is to retain our status as a Premier League club and you don't achieve that by selling your players - again! We are not a selling club. We won't be a selling club in January because that's not consistent with our overall objective. So selling Mark Viduka for, say £5million, and losing £25million if you get relegated, those figures don't really stack up.''
