Bates reveals Toon bid for Beckford

Beckford, who has been the face of this season's FA Cup, is out of contract in the summer and available on a free transfer.The 26-year-old enhanced his credentials with a brace in Leeds' 2-2 draw at Spurs at the weekend, following on from his winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier this month.However Beckford is so crucial to Leeds' League One promotion bid that Simon Grayson claimed at the weekend it would take an offer in excess of £10million for them to consider selling the striker this month.It comes as little surprise, then, that Newcastle were knocked back in their £1.8million offer for Beckford. Bates admits the player himself was keen on a move to St James' Park, but the club will have the final say on his future if he leaves before the summer."I have always said the Beckford decision was down to Simon Grayson," Bates told The Telegraph. "We could have picked up a quick £1.8million cash from Newcastle for Beckford's transfer and Becks wanted to go. "But Simon has always said he would do what was best for Leeds United and that means getting promotion, which is what we are doing. "I am not particularly impressed with his (Beckford's) agent but as long as Jermaine stays on the pitch and scores goals I think all the fans will be happy and that is the important thing - the fans being happy in the short and long term." FA Cup 09/10 Win Outright: Leeds 66/1  

Source: Team_Talk