Wise - Beckford going nowhere

Leeds boss rubbishes rumours of striker exit

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 15th January 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wise - Beckford going nowhere

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Dennis Wise has reiterated that he is confident Derby target Jermaine Beckford will not leave Elland Road because Leeds are a bigger club.

Beckford scored in Leeds' 1-0 away win over Crewe on Monday night to notch his 16th goal of the season and take his side up to third in the League One table.

And Derby boss Paul Jewell, who is thought to be a long-term admirer of Beckford, was at the Alexandra Stadium as he looks to strengthen his squad for an unlikely escape from Premier League relegation.

Wise, though, is confident that Beckford will not leave Leeds in the January transfer window after the striker assured him he sees his future at Elland Road.

Speculation

"There has been a lot of speculation about Derby and I spoke to him (Beckford)," Wise told Sky Sports 1.

"He said he wants to be a Leeds player and wants to stay here. He knows where we are going and he knows what we want to achieve

"He is fantastic. Everyone saw what he is capable of. He scored a terrific goal and his overall work rate was good.

"I'm not being disrespectful to Derby or any other club, but I don't think Derby is as big as Leeds.

Going places

"It's a massive football club this club. We are tying to go places and we need to keep hold of players like Beckford and we intend to."

Meanwhile, Wise has confirmed that he is looking to add new faces to his squad as Leeds keep up their pursuit of League One's automatic promotion places.

"We are trying to push for one or two (targets) so if I can get them in I'll be pleased and it will only add competition to the squad," Wise concluded.