Bates concedes Beckford will leave Leeds United

LEEDS UNITED chairman Ken Bates admits Jermaine Beckford is likely to leave the club in the summer.

The 26-year-old, who hit 24 league goals for the Whites in their promotion-winning season, is out of contract at the end of June and free to open negotiations with other clubs.

Bates told the club's official website: "He has an unusual agent and it's not easy to have discussions with him.

"Although the manager would like him to stay I suspect it is unlikely, but he will go with our best wishes."