Kewell is locked in talks Leeds 3-1 Aston Villa

Reid is planning an early meeting with Kewell to seek an answer from the Australian striker on his next move.

Kewell's contract expires in 12 months and he has been linked with potential moves to Manchester United and Arsenal.

Leeds are also anxious to avoid losing out on valuable cash - as they did with Lee Bowyer - if Kewell decides to leave.

Kewell has so far stalled on signing a new deal, initially as he waited to see which division Leeds would be in, and then for the managerial situation to be resolved.

We will be trying to talk to him as soon as possible Leeds manager Peter Reid

Both issues were concluded in the last seven days, with Leeds preserving their Premiership status at Arsenal, while Reid was appointed full-time boss on Friday.

Kewell missed the 3-1 win against Aston Villa due to a family bereavement, with the suggestion in some quarters that his goal-scoring performance at Highbury was his last match for the club.

Reid said: "He had some sad news so we'd better let him get over that first.

"But from my point of view, we will be trying to talk to him as soon as possible."

Reid concedes he faces "a busy summer" as the likes of goalkeeper Paul Robinson and striker Mark Viduka could also be on their way should Europe's top clubs offer enough to prise them out of Elland Road.

Viduka scored his 22nd goal of the season with what proved to be his last touch of the game, and it could well be his final one for Leeds.

HAVE YOUR SAY Selling Robbo, Kewell, Viduka and Smithy would consign us to Div One and I think everyone knows that From Carlos Join the 606 debate

Reid now has a platform on which to work during the close-season as he added: "It was the right result and the pleasing thing for me was the attitude.

"We look as though we are becoming hard to beat, but I think it's fair to say we still get very anxious.

"This is a club that has had fantastic times - except this season - and the fans are desperate for us to do well, but we are edgy.

"We just need to try to get our anxiety out of the way. I've got the summer, which will be hard work for myself, and hopefully we can start afresh next season."