In a step which will take him closer to a move away from the Elland Road club, Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford has formally requested a transfer away from his current club.

A statement from the Leeds United website is as follows:

Leeds United can confirm that Jermaine Beckford has handed in a transfer request. The transfer request was handed in on Dec 30. By handing in a transfer request it clearly indicates that the player wants to leave Leeds United.However, that will only be allowed to happen in the event that it is decided to be in the best interests of Leeds United. The best interests of Leeds United involve receiving both an acceptable transfer fee and securing a suitable replacement to ensure his departure does not have an adverse effect on the club’s overall aim of securing promotion back to the Championship.

In a After Beckford’s goal against Man Utd in the F.A Cup last weekend, it is unlikely that Leeds will let Beckford leave for anywhere less than £2 million. In Newcastle’s favour however, is Beckford’s want away attitude. It is clear that Beckford wants to leave Leeds, and money talks, so let’s hope Mike Ashley gets his cheque book out and gives Leeds what they’re asking.