As Leeds United enter what is arguably some of the club’s most important ever games. Star striker Jermaine Beckford has been turned on by the Elland Road faithful and resigned to a place on the bench. Is his lacklustre attitude costing him his Premier League move?

Jermaine Beckford has had an eventful season to say the least. Having scored 28 goals for Leeds United, Beckford’s stock has grown significantly. This along with his FA Cup heroics at Old Trafford and White Hart Lane had lead to a January scramble for the 26 year old forward. Newcastle United was close to gaining Jermaine Beckford’s signature yet a fee could not be agreed. Upon the collapse of negotiations, Leeds United announced that Beckford would be seeing the remainder of his contract out. Yet all the speculation has seemed to have an effect on the player’s head.

Having supposedly signed a pre-contract agreement with Everton, Jermaine Beckford has appeared uninterested and not played anywhere near the standard he is capable of. His love/hate relationship with the Leeds United fans has not exactly helped the cause. Having been replaced in the 2-0 victory over Southend only a fortnight ago, Beckford was jeered by a large section of the crowd in which he responded by offering a ‘gesture’. He was subsequently dropped in the two following games for the club.

Manager Simon Grayson has urged the fans and players to get behind Beckford ‘The fans pay their money so they can chant things but they can only help players by getting behind them. Jermaine hasn't got a problem with it and nor have I,’ said Grayson. ‘Strikers thrive on confidence and after going a few games without scoring; maybe Jermaine's confidence is dwindling.’ He told Sky Sports. So given the strikers lack of form could he have blown his Premier League chance?

Well, maybe so. The mooted move to Everton appears to have been just a rumour and no deal has yet been concluded. One thing is for sure, Beckford’s attitude on the pitch is not exactly warming people to him. Having watched the striker numerous times he appears moody and nonchalant on the pitch. Runs around very little and most certainly does not have the first touch of a Premier League footballer. Yet he knows where the goal is, his record speaks for itself. One thing for certain is that his Leeds United career is over in three games time.

The goal getter has a long list of potential suitors. The most recent side to be linked with a move for Jermaine Beckford has been West Ham United. He is apparently top on the list of players Gianfranco Zola wishes to acquire if he remains at Upton Park. In all honesty I don’t think Beckford’s going to get a better offer than that. Unless he wishes to sit on a bench for a living.

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