Leeds keen to splash out

Peter Ridsdale is keen to bring in new players

Leeds United chairman Peter Ridsdale has assured fans the club intend to increase their squad over the summer rather than deplete it.

His pledge comes after Norwegian defender Alfie Haaland was off-loaded to Manchester City for £2.5m.

"Alfie is a player who was not guaranteed first-team football, and David O'Leary wanted to accept the offer," said Ridsdale.

"We know we need more players, not less. But I can assure all our supporters that the size of our squad will be appropriate for a club playing in the Champions League."

Celtic striker Mark Viduka is just one of the star names Leeds have an eye on, with Porto forward Jardel and Wimbledon's Carl Cort also being mentioned as possible transfer targets.

Viduka is a wanted man

Even though O'Leary is currently devoting much of his time to the BBC's Euro 2000 coverage, he remains in regular contact with his chairman and knows which players he wants to bring to Leeds.

"We speak every day and we know the sort of players we want here," said Ridsdale.

It will not be a problem attracting them. The problem is that they are under contract, and their clubs do not want to lose them.

"Ideally we would like to have them on board for the start of pre-season on July 17, but you have to be realistic.

"If a bid is accepted negotiations can proceed quite quickly, but we are willing to be patient.

"We have to ensure we get the right men."