By Phil McNulty BBC Sport Online chief football writer

Leeds United's new boss Terry Venables will find his Elland Road desk piled up with high priority items when he takes charge of his new players.

Venables has inherited one of the most expensively-assembled and talented squads in the Premiership after taking over from David O'Leary.

The players' choice

But it is also squad containing elements of discontent and uncertainty - a task Venables must tackle immmediately to steer Leeds United back on course for the Premiership summit.

Here BBC Sport Online investigates how Venables might tackle his lists of tasks once he leaves behind his television studio for life back at the sharp end.

RIO FERDINAND'S FUTURE

England defender Rio Ferdinand has been surrounded by speculation for weeks that he is poised to complete a record �30m move to Manchester United.

Venables must clear up Ferdinand's situation - either pushing the deal through to free up funds for transfer activity, or persuading the jewel in Leeds' crown that he can revive the club's fortunes.

LEE BOWYER'S FUTURE

Bowyer's relationship with Leeds United appears to have broken down irretrievably after he rejected a new contract and insisted the sacking of David O'Leary made no difference to his future.

But Venables is one of the most persuasive men in football, and if he rates Bowyer he is likely to turn his renowned charm on a fellow Londoner he may see as a kindred spirit.

If Venables cannot persuade Bowyer to stay, and there is undoubtedly a problem after his court case last season, then no-one can.

But the new Leeds boss will not be messed with, and Liverpool wait in the wings.

OLIVIER DACOURT'S FUTURE

If Juventus really want to pay �16m, then arch-dealer Venables may just like the sound of that.

ROBBIE KEANE'S FUTURE

Sunderland's �9m offer remains on the table, despite the player's rejection of the move.

Keane claims he can convince the new manager of his worth, but Venables is a confirmed fan of Mark Viduka and Robbie Fowler.

Alan Smith is also available, so Venables may see Keane as either a bargaining chip in the transfer market or a good fund-raiser.

If he wants a replacement, he could always attempt to recuit Jari Litmanen from Liverpool. Venables is almost honorary president of his fan club.

ELLAND ROAD BACKROOM STAFF

David O'Leary has left behind a vastly-experienced coaching team.

Brian Kidd still has a big reputation, but was scarred by criticism from the terraces last season. Venables must decide whether to keep him on.

Bryan Robson is a big ally of Venables having worked with him for England, and also alongside him when he went to Middlesbrough.

Robson is looking for a route back into the game, but may suffer from the same anti-Manchester United feeling that dogged Kidd at Elland Road last season.

Eddie Gray is hugely popular and has been assured of his Elland Road future by chairman Peter Ridsdale.

Roy Aitken must wait to discover his future.

Venables usually appoints veteran Ted Buxton as his scout, but he is currently involved with England.

NIGEL MARTYN'S FUTURE

England understudy Martyn remains an excellent Premiership keeper, but Venables is in the fortunate position of having Paul Robinson putting serious pressure on Leeds' long-established first choice.

Robinson is regarded by many as England's next goalkeeper, and Venables may want to sacrifice Martyn to raise cash while taking the not unattractive option of giving the gifted youngster his chance.

GARY KELLY OR DANNY MILLS?

It is a sign of the strength of Venables new hand that he has this dilemma to deal with.

Gary Kelly is a quality right-back, but Mills defied the doubters to emerge with his reputation enhanced after England's World Cup campaign.

LEEDS ATTACKING LINE-UP

Venables has inherited an embarrassment of riches. He is a massive Mark Viduka fan after working with him at international level for Australia.

He is also a big admirer of Robbie Fowler. He can also juggle his resources with the emerging Alan Smith, so he can be happy with that.

HARRY KEWELL

Leeds fans may now see a revival in Kewell after poor performances last season. He worked with Venables for Australia and holds his new coach in massive regard.

Kewell remains, to a certain degree, a great untapped talent and Venables could be the catalyst for him to move on to the next level of his career - at Leeds.