REVEALED: THE LETTERS BEHIND HARRY'S MOVE

LEEDSUNITED.COM today reveals more correspondence between United Chairman John McKenzie and Harry Kewell's agent Bernie Mandic, showing how Leeds United were left with little choice but to sell Harry Kewell or lose him for nothing.

We have five pieces of correspondence that help put supporters in the picture as to exactly what went on when Leeds felt they had little choice but to accept Liverpool's £5m offer on Wednesday morning.

Diary of a transfer:

McKenzie and Mandic met prior to the Arsenal game on May 3rd.  It is made clear to McKenzie that Kewell was willing to extend his contract at the club, but the terms Mandic spoke about caused extreme concern, with Harry having the freedom to move at any time and then also receive 50% of the transfer fee. Also it is clear that if a transfer was before the end of the season, Kewell and the agent would expect a similar fee.

On June 17 Leeds receive a letter from Mandic. The letter confirms the details discussed in the earlier meeting. It also gave the first formal indication of the terms that Kewell's agents were looking to obtain from any deal.  Click here to read the letter.

June 25 and McKenzie sends two letters to Mandic. The first  Mandic the authority to find a buyer during the chairman's absence in Tokyo, for not less than £5m. It was made clear in the letter that any deal would be subject to plc board approval.  The purpose was to "flush out" the mystery buyer that Mandic was speaking about. Click here to read the letter

The second informed Mandic that, subject to plc approval, Max Sport would be paid £2m of any £5m transfer fee in order to ensure United would receive higher than the 50% split Mandic wanted.  Click here to read the letter

June 26 and Mandic sends United a letter accepting the terms of the letter Leeds sent to Max Sports.

June 30, McKenzie expresses his displeasure in the Yorkshire Evening Post at the way the Kewell negotiations were being handled.  He brands the situation a farce after reading about a mystery club chasing Kewell. His comments are passed on to Mandic by the media for a response.  Mandic's response to Leeds is to inform Leeds that Harry is no longer for sale.  Click here to read Mandic's email to the Chairman.

July 2, Mandic comes clean over the mystery club and reveals them to be Liverpool and that negotiations had been ongoing for some months.

July 3, McKenzie returns from his trip to Japan and informs Mandic that he will take back control of any transfer negotiations. Click here to read that e-mail.

July 3, Liverpool ring to say they would be prepared to make a £5m offer for Kewell.  McKenzie does not accept and both parties agree to give the offer more time.

July 4, Liverpool return with an improved informal offer of £7m.  An agreement was made verbally and permission given for Liverpool to start talking to Kewell about his personal terms and for him to undergo a medical (which had already been set up for Saturday!).

July 7,  Leeds received a letter from Max Sports and it became clear that they were now back to a £5m deal. The same day United received firm £7m offers from Chelsea and Manchester United but Harry made it clear he had his heart set on Liverpool.  It left United with little choice but to accept Liverpool's offer. That evening, Kewell left a message on McKenzie's phone informing him he would walk away for nothing in the summer on a Bosman if Leeds did not accept Liverpool's offer.   Leeds were also informed that Australian TV station Channel 9 were preparing to air an exclusive interview with Harry revealing his new club the following morning.   They paid Kewell £25,000 for the privilege.

July 8,  McKenzie calls a meeting of his advisors with the plc board members and Peter Reid. "We didn't see any alternative but to press ahead," said McKenzie.   Max Sports solicitors requested a copy of the Stock Market statement prior to release infuriating Leeds.   Financial Director Neil Robson concluded talks with legal representatives shortly before midnight, believing there were just loose ends to tie up in the morning.

July 9, After the decision to sell Kewell was ratified by the plc board, with United feeling forced to accept the £5m on offer with £2m going to Max Sport, another snag held up the deal -  Mandic's solicitor was demanding payment on Kewell's of £27,000 for an insurance policy.   The deal was finally later that afternoon and finally announced shortly after 4.30pm.

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