PFA Fans’ Player of the Month: League One winner (Dec '09)
Jermaine Beckford adds to his growing list of fans’ player awardsBy Mark Shail January 05, 2010
Beckford’s stock continues to rise – so does his transfer value. (©PAphotos) Picture GalleryNew
Simon Grayson: Strikers are a precious commodity and we won’t be letting him go on the cheap
Congratulations to Jermaine Beckford after the Leeds United striker was once again named the PFA League One Fans’ Player of the Month.
The 26-year-old took his seasonal tally to 20 with that memorable winning goal at Old Trafford on Sunday and, with his contract due to expire at the end of this season, it remains to be seen if the Yorkshire outfit can keep hold of their prize asset this month.
Leeds’ boss Simon Grayson said: “There are three scenarios with Jermaine. Either he signs a new contract, leaves at the end of the season for free or we sell him and get money which we think is too good to turn down.
“Jermaine showed what he is all about for his goal. He worked ever so hard for his goal, took his opportunity and now has five goals in his last three games.
“Strikers are a precious commodity and we won’t be letting him go on the cheap. Money talks with every player but we are not looking to sell him. We don’t want him to leave unless it is something that suits both him and the club. If that does happen, we will have to have replacements lined up.â€
Newcastle are the club being most strongly linked with a transfer widow swoop for Beckford, although the pacy frontman’s display against Manchester United is sure to have grabbed the attention of a number of Premier League managers.
Magpies’ boss Chris Hughton said: “I wasn’t at Old Trafford to see Jermaine and there is no deal done yet. All we can see is that we are working very hard to bring players in and I am very confident we will get them.
“His profile goes up because the (Manchester United) game was on television, but everyone knows that this is just one game. Whether he had done well or badly, he would still be a talented player. He is one of a few players we are interested in.â€
Ironically, the PFA Championship Fans’ Player of the Month Billy Sharp, currently on-loan at Doncaster from Sheffield United, is the man now being talked about as a possible replacement for Beckford at Elland Road.
PFA Fans' Player of the Month - December '09 winners:
Premier League: Didier Drogba - Chelsea
Championship: Billy Sharp - Doncaster
League One: Jermaine Beckford - Leeds United
League Two: Michael Symes - Accrington Stanley
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