Kristian Sarkies to trial at Leeds United

Melbourne Victory midfielder Kristian Sarkies looks set to accept an offer to trial with English Championship club Leeds United after completing his Olyroo qualifying duties.

Sarkies, 20, was only a bit part player in Victory's championship winning side even though he impressed each time he was called upon. The creative midfielder made only 18 appearances, starting just 7, but scored 3 goals one of which was a peach of a goal with just his second touch in Melbourne's 6-0 Grand Final victory.

Sarkies is currently on international duty with Australia's Olympic qualifying team which plays Jordan on Wednesday night at Hindmarsh Stadium. The out-of-contract midfielder appears to be keeping his options open even though he denies his trial is confirmed.

"I have heard the talk about it but I can't say I have spoken to anyone," said Sarkies of the rumours he was angling for a move to the relegation threatened English outfit. "It would be awesome but I can't say it is true at this stage."

The Leeds United Chief Executive Officer, Shaun Harvey, contradicted the young Aussie star by stating that, "Sarkies is coming to Leeds for a period once he has taken part in the Olympic trials."

Melbourne coach Ernie Merrick would be doing everything in his power to convince the Socceroo to re-sign the 3 year contract that is on the table after Fred, the Brazlian star midfielder, jumped on a plane to the USA last week to sign a lucrative contract with DC United.

Mark Viduka Hallelujah Song

Alistair Griffin has written a fantastic song about Mark Viduka, socceroo striker, to the tune of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" in a bid to convince Mark Viduka to re-sign with Middlesbrough.

Alistair Griffin said: “This song came about because I am passionate about football and music. Viduka is out of contract at the end of this season and I wanted to persuade him to stay on at Middlesbrough next season using a completely different approach - a song that shows him how important he is to the fans.

“Now, Middlesbrough Manager Gareth Southgate has embraced the tune as a way of raising money for his chosen charity, MacMillan Cancer Relief. As a result, the song will be one of the UK ’s first charity downloads and combines being a football fanatic with a great cause. It’s not my most important musical work but it has been great fun, especially if Viduka signs next season!”

For a short time it can be heard at http://www.myspace.com/alistairgriffinonline otherwise the fans’ anthem that has immortalised premiership footballer Mark Viduka will be made available to buy as a charity download at www.amazingtunes.com

If you want to watch the first performance of 'Mark Viduka' by Alistair Griffin it can be viewed below.