TERRY VENABLES admitted last night that he will consider his future at Leeds United if Jonathan Woodgate is sold.

The Leeds manager failed to hide his anger as he confessed: "I don't think my views are being taken into account about Woody.

"It is a dire situation financially at the club but I have to get on with it."

Venables made it clear that he has not definitely made up his mind to walk out if Newcastle get their man.

Before leaving Leeds-Bradford Airport and flying south for today's FA Cup-tie at Gillingham, Venables explained: "I would be lying if I said I wasn't going to consider my future if Woody was sold, but that doesn't necessarily mean I would go.

"In any job you get disappointing situations and frustrations and you have to weigh them all up. At the moment I am fighting every situation that comes along.

"The decision on Woodgate's future could be taken out of my hands."

Venables said, as far as he was aware, Leeds had received no bid from Newcastle and there had been no negotiations between the clubs.

However, after the departure of Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Keane, Lee Bowyer and Olivier Dacourt, Venables is on the point of losing Seth Johnson to Middlesbrough and it will be no surprise if Woodgate is also sacrificed by Elland Road's money men.

Trying to put on a brave face, Venables said: "I have spoken to Woody and I think he loves the club and of course he wants to stay here, but in this game you never know, if he is tempted enough.

"I don't think he is tempted and I hope he will stay."

Venables refused to condemn Kieron Dyer for urging Woodgate to join Newcastle. "That sort of thing happens between players and they are good friends," he said.

"It is not an illegal approach because Dyer wasn't ringing Woody on Newcastle's behalf."

Leeds remain keen to land Brazilian midfielder Kleberson, but Venables revealed that even if Johnson's sale goes through, more cash will be needed if Leeds are to get their man.

Updated: 10:08 Saturday, January 25, 2003