Chairman enraged by Bowyer snub

Liverpool coach Gerard Houllier is a great fan of Bowyer's dynamism and ability to score goals from midfield, but his interest will be matched at Highbury by Arsene Wenger's long-standing admiration.

Leeds will insist on realising Bowyer's full £15m valuation, so Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan could find himself unable to compete for another player on his wish-list after investing heavily in striker Nicolas Anelka.

Elland Road manager David O'Leary will feel as betrayed as many Leeds fans after risking a disrepute charge with his criticism of the FA over their England ban on Bowyer, and defending his right to play while awaiting trial.

When Bowyer was cleared of all charges last December, Leeds set about negotiating an improved deal that would take him up alongside top earners like England pair Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Fowler.

Ridsdale, in Switzerland with the England Under 21s, has obviously been left with a sour taste after doing his utmost to keep fans' favourite Bowyer.

He said: 'Lee Bowyer has made the decision to turn down a new five-year contract. Lee's adviser, David Geiss, has informed us that the terms of the contract are not the issue but that Lee has made the career decision to move on.

With Lee having one year remaining of his current agreement, the club has no alternative but to place him on the transfer list with immediate effect. This decision has been taken with great reluctance.

'Given the contract offered by the club, which would have elevated Lee to the elite of highest paid players at Leeds, and given the support the club has shown Lee during the past turbulent 30 months, we are disappointed to have reached this juncture.'

Ian Harte, 25, will attract a £6m bid from Inter Milan if the Leeds left back enjoys a successful World Cup campaign with the Republic of Ireland.

Harte's famed free- kick expertise has made him a favourite with Inter president Massimo Moratti. Inter are preparing to offload current left back Vratislav Gresko and the 24- year- old Slovakia defender is being linked with a Premiership move to either Aston Villa or Everton after 20 Serie A games.

An Inter bid would also tempt Harte's Premiership admirers into the open. Sunderland, who could lose Michael Gray, are monitoring the situation as well as rivals Newcastle.

Moratti is also a keen admirer of Harry Kewell. No firm bid is imminent, but O'Leary still has to shed players to raise £15m in order for the club, which is £77m in debt, to operate next season.

Sunderland, also looking at Leeds right back Gary Kelly, would interest both players thanks to their strong Republic connection through Niall Quinn, Jason McAteer and Kevin Kilbane.