Beckford scored his fifth goal in three games in the win at Old Trafford

Striker Jermaine Beckford handed in a transfer request to Leeds just days before the club's shock FA Cup third round victory over Manchester United.

Beckford, 26, scored his 20th goal of the season in Leeds' 1-0 win after handing in the request on 30 December.

Leeds said Beckford would only be allowed to leave if the club received an acceptable fee and they were able to buy a suitable replacement for him.

Beckford has been linked with a move to Championship side Newcastle.

Beckford, who joined the Elland Road outfit from non-League Wealdstone in 2006, is out of contract in the summer.

606: DEBATE Unfortunately this was always on the cards and wasn't helped by the section of fans who still give him stick despite all the goals he has scored KebabLegs

Leeds manager Simon Grayson said after the FA Cup win at Old Trafford that they were not looking to sell Beckford, but that "money talks".

And he added that if they did let him go, he would not go cheaply.

Former Leeds United striker Andy Ritchie believes that the deal is far from complete.

"He's come out and said he wants to leave, that's a statement of intent by him," Ritchie told BBC Radio Leeds.

"It doesn't necessarily mean he's going to leave in this transfer window. The transfer request has to be accepted by the club and obviously they've got to get the right amount of money for him."

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has already spoken of his desire to take Beckford to Tyneside but says he will be patient in his pursuit of the striker.

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