Leeds hero Beckford wants away

LEEDS striker Jermaine Beckford has handed in a transfer request, the League One club have confirmed.

By The Newsroom

Published 6th Jan 2010, 22:06 BST

Updated 6th Jan 2010, 22:32 BST

The 26-year-old, whose contract expires in the summer, has been strongly linked with a move away from Elland Road, with Coca-Cola Championship leaders Newcastle leading the chase for his signature.

A statement on the club's website, www.leedsunited.com, read: "Leeds United can confirm that Jermaine Beckford has handed in a transfer request. The transfer request was handed in on 30 December."

Beckford scored his 20th goal of the season in last weekend's shock 1-0 FA Cup victory over Manchester United.