Agent Way Off Mark

Last updated : 21 July 2003 By Kevin Markey

This despite the club being adamant that he is going nowhere with no pressures to sell any further players.

Peter Reid, commenting on the recent speculation said: "It doesn't drive me mad but I keep hearing his agent is touting him around which is illegal, he's got two years left on his contract I might add.

"Viduka is going absolutely nowhere. He's contracted to this club and that's the way it's going to stay.

Viduka started his career in Australia with Melbourne, before a spell with Croatia Zagreb caught the attention of Celtic - who bought him in December 1998 for £3.5m. At Leeds he was expected to line up in a three-pronged attack alongside fellow Aussie Harry Kewell and Michael Bridges, but injuries to those two saw him form an excellent partnership with Alan Smith in Leeds Champions League matches, whilst Robbie Keane also benefited from the big Aussie in their Premiership matches together.

Mark delighted Elland Road in his first season at the club, scoring a remarkable 22 goals and capturing the attention of Europe's biggest clubs. Nevertheless, he remained committed to Leeds and signed a new five-year deal in the summer of 2001. He repeated his 22-goal tally last season when he scored in his 100th league appearance against Aston Villa on the last day of the season.

With the club actually bringing in players for a change, firstly with Jody Morris and now it seems Zoumana Camara poised to join on loan, stories of more top players leaving can only damage the moral that Reid has installed brilliantly since his appointment.

Surely it’s time for someone to act to stop agents from being able to behave in such a seedy manner?