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Football for many is portrayed upon us via the media. Whether it's sports magazines, televisions programs, the radio or the tabloids. The press and professional determine how we perceive football as an audience. The newspaper here at Soccer All Stars is the first place to publish all the big news stories as they happen as well as generating it's own amount of fuss throughout the league through exaggerated or inaccurate articles!

VIDUKA: MY LEEDS HELL
AUSTRALIAN STAR HEADING OUT OF ELLAND ROAD?

Leeds United Football Club have been dealt a large blow ahead of this weekend's league games with the knowledge that their £6.5 million signing Mark Viduka has become increasingly unsettled at the club.

Viduka 25, has stated his desire to quit Elland Road at the earliest opportunity, having been just a fringe player since his arrival.  The former Glasgow Celtic hitman was brought in to partner Nicolas Anelka up front, but amazingly found himself shipped off to Newcastle United on loan.

The Australian international became an instant hit with the Geordie faithful, netting a couple of goals in his time at the club.  It was thought that a permanent move would soon follow, but the rumoured deal fell through due to Leeds United reportedly demanding £10 million for the striker.  With the Magpies having already spent £20 million on Kevin Phillips, they decided they could not afford the asking price and Viduka returned to Leeds.

However since returning to the club from his loan spell, he has hardly featured, despite scoring for them already this season.  It's been thought that Viduka was scheduled to move to SAS Champions Derby County, although neither club has commented on such a move.  The deal was rumoured to be worth in the region of £12 million, which shows that the player is still rated highly by managers across the country.

Speaking exclusively to SAS Online, he said: "I didn't come to Leeds to sit on the bench or drop down divisions to find first team football.  I was made a lot of promises when I joined the club and am obviously very disappointed with the way things have turned out."  It's believed that Viduka and Smutov have had a spell of different opinions on the matter which has led to an obvious strain in their working relationship.

The forward, whose three goals in eight appearances this season has done nothing to harm his reputation, may be interested in a move to Newcastle should they decide that Kevin Phillips is surplus to requirements.

The £20 million striker has so far failed to live up to his massive transfer fee, and it's thought that he will move up divisions again like Sergei Rebrov, who made a £14.5 million switch to Chelsea after failing to settle at St. James Park.  Phillips has netted just one goal since signing for Newcastle and many believe that his terrible injury last season, which brought his season to an end, has had an effect on him.  Phillips struck seven goals in just six games during Season One, but has no where near recaptured the type of goal scoring form that has made him a feared marksman.

Viduka did not deny a move back to Newcastle was out of the question.  He said:  "At the moment all I want to do is play first team football, and regularly.  I had a great time at Newcastle United and enjoyed playing for the club.  I want to play in the highest divisions possible, but not if I'm not in the team."

It has led to speculation that a swap deal between the two clubs could be setup.  Phillips though had only recently pledged his future at the club after requesting to come off the transfer list.  He has been subject to abuse from Sunderland fans; angry that he decided to move to the Toon after leaving Champions Derby County.

It's been highly speculated that Leeds United manager Martin Smutov is a keen admirer of Phillips abilities.  With Newcastle United manager Jay Jay planning a possible clear-out, the deal could definitely be on the cards.  The only stumbling block could be the initial wage packet Phillips would bring.  The England international is currently earning in the region of £50,000 per week.  A fee that could scare off all potential buyers, especially with the introduction of player wages for next season.

Likewise, Viduka is believed to be on around £30,000 per week, and with the lower clubs frantically looking to reduce their wage bill, Jay Jay may feel that he and Newcastle cannot afford to purchase the talented forward.

Meanwhile the transfer embargo is close to being lifted.  Soccer All Stars Executive Board member ScreamKing issued this statement today:  "We are delighted to announce that the transfer embargo is close to being lifted.  We are hoping that normal services can be resumed from the weekend.  At the moment it looks likely that Sunday will be the big day.  Although it could be stretched slightly further if necessary."

The move will be a warm welcome to all SAS managers.  However, with so many clubs uncertain with regards to their financial future's, the opening of the transfer deadline will provide some interesting decisions and headaches for all the SAS community.