Source: Northern_Echo
Beckford in Magpies’ sights
CHRIS HUGHTON has identified Leeds United hotshot Jermaine Beckford as his number one transfer target to help fire Newcastle United back to the Premier League.[LNB] Two thirds of Newcastle's goals this season have come from midfield and defence so Hughton's side clearly lack a penalty box predator.[LNB] Former Magpies striker Michael Chopra's position at the top of the Championship scoring charts is proof that goal poachers continue to profit in English football's second tier.[LNB] Newcastle enjoy a six-point cushion and while no-one at St James' Park is taking promotion for granted, Hughton is already eyeing players who could cope with Premier League football next season.[LNB] Beckford has become the most highly regarded striker in the Football League and his ratio of scoring more than a goal every other game has already attracted interest from Premier League sides Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stoke City.[LNB] Leeds manager Simon Grayson has insisted that he has the backing of club chairman Ken Bates to retain his leading scorer until the end of the current season.[LNB] However, the 25-year-old has yet to agree a new contract with Leeds with his current deal set to expire next summer.[LNB] Grayson's resolve to keep the 25-year-old, who joined the club for a bargain £45,000 three years ago, will be tested in January.[LNB] Newcastle were poised to make a move for Beckford in the summer but continued uncertainty about the club's ownership, plus Mike Ashley's desire to slash wage costs, put paid to any bid.[LNB] But Hughton has been given assurances that funds will be made available in the next transfer window and is expected to move for £4mrated Beckford, who has once again been in prolific form, scoring 11 league goals already this season.[LNB] In the meantime, on-loan striker Marlon Harewood insists he will prove the doubters wrong after becoming the subject of taunts from Newcastle fans for his lacklustre performances. After scoring in his St James' Park debut the Aston Villa forward has struggled but he pledged to silence the boo-boys.[LNB] I knew expectations were always going to be high here and that was part of the appeal in signing for these three months, he admitted. I knew there would be pressure on me and it hasn't been easy at times, but I still back myself.[LNB] I've had a lot of criticism in the media. It's their opinion and they are entitled to it. All I can do is get on with it and help the team.[LNB] That's what I try to focus on. I try not to take much notice of what people are saying and writing about me, although obviously you are aware of it.[LNB] I've been in the game long enough to know that is what happens. Even the top players get it, criticism comes with the territory and I've just got to try and enjoy myself and enjoy my football.[LNB]
