Ridsdale confident key players will stay at Leeds

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale is confident Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka will both be at Elland Road next season.

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale is confident Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka will both be at Elland Road next season.

Leeds fans are fearful the Australia internationals will be targeted by big clubs over the summer, particularly with Leeds unable to offer European football next season.

The supporters have already seen Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Keane, Lee Bowyer, Robbie Fowler and Jonathan Woodgate sold during the last eight months while Olivier Dacourt is currently on loan at Roma pending a summer move.

The worry is Viduka and Kewell will join the exodus, particularly with the latter out of contract in 15 months' time, although the 24-year-old is due to start talks on a new long-term deal next week.

"I've spoken to Mark and to Harry, in fact I spoke to Harry yesterday afternoon," revealed Ridsdale.

"To the best of my belief, both of those players wish to be at Leeds United next season. They've said they're keen to stay."

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