STRANZL ON LEEDS' WISH LIST

LEEDS UNITED manager David O'Leary has confirmed an interest in 1860 Munich starlet Martin Stranzl, and the Austrian has admitted to being attracted by the prospect of a move to The Premiership.

Stranzl, a very versatile performer who can play in defence or midfield, has been watched by Leeds scouts in action this season.

The 20-year-old has experience of competing in the Champions League and the Uefa Cup, and obtaining five caps for his country.

"Stranzl has risen to my attention during our Champions League matches against 1860," O'Leary admitted.

"He is a very talented player."

The Bundesliga side do not want to allow one of their biggest prospects to leave, and are reported to have already rejected an offer from the Yorkshiremen.

Coach Werner Lorant is a great admirer of Stranzl, whose contract does not expire until 2005, as he affirmed: "He is the greatest prospect I have ever trained."

President Karl Heinz Wildmoser may see things differently, however, as he may cash in on the player if the bidding rises to around £7 million.

Although guarded about his future, Stranzl admits that he would consider a switch to England.

"England is very beautiful, and attractive to me" he stated. "But I should never forget that I have never had any problems during my four years with 1860."