Grayson to rule on Becks

Bates happy to leave striker's fate with manager

Last updated: 14th January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Grayson to rule on Becks

Beckford: Wanted by Newcastle

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Leeds United chairman Ken Bates insists that manager Simon Grayson will have the final say on Jermaine Beckford's future.

The in-demand striker submitted a transfer request last month and Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase for his signature.

Leeds are yet to accept any bids for the free-scoring marksman and Bates admits that he will not force Grayson's hand by dealing behind his back.

Bates would have no qualms with Grayson wanting Beckford to see out his contract with Leeds providing the striker can maintain his good form.

Grayson's decision

"Whether Beckford stays, honours his contract and leaves us for nothing at the end of May or whether he goes now and we pick up one or two million, is entirely down to the manager," explained Bates.

"Simon's job is to win us promotion and if he decides that Beckford will still get us 10, 12 or 15 goals to help achieve that target, then that is his decision.

"If, on the other hand, he decides to cash in now, take the money and reinvest it elsewhere, then that is entirely up to him, too.

"And to be fair to Jermaine he has got on with it and banged in five goals in four games, so we can't complain about that."

Striker exit

Meanwhile, Leeds have confirmed that striker Enoch Showunmi has had the remainder of his Whites contract cancelled by mutual consent.

The ex-Bristol City hit-man was out of contract in the summer and is now free to join another club with Falkirk reportedly keen on his services.

Showunmi scored six goals in 28 appearances for Leeds and Grayson admits it was right to let him go with limited opportunities on the horizon.

"He was very unfortunate last season, but opportunities have been limited for him this season, and hopefully now he will get the opportunity to play," he told the club's official website.