Beckford is Everton-bound after Leeds United cancel his contract

The move would appear to pave the way for the 26-year-old, who has refused to sign a new deal at Elland Road, to seal a dream move to the Barclays Premier League.

His current deal with Leeds, for whom he was instrumental in guiding to promotion from League One this season, was due to expire later this summer.

Beckford scored 85 goals in 150 appearances for the Whites, the last of which came on the final day of the season against Bristol Rovers and secured a return to the Championship.

"I got to the changing rooms and put my head in my hands and the tears dripped down my face," he said. "I can still feel it now.

"It felt like such a weight had been lifted. It's what we've been searching for the past three years.

"I've enjoyed every single moment. The ups, the downs, the relegations, the play-off final, the play-off semis. I have had an amazing time here."

Beckford told Leeds he wanted to leave at the end of last year, but the Yorkshire club turned down a reported 1.5m offer from Newcastle during the January transfer window and the player withdrew his transfer request soon after.

But the former Wealdstone forward, who has scored 85 goals in his last three seasons for Leeds, was then understood to have signed a pre-contract agreement with Everton.

Leeds manager Simon Grayson had hoped to persuade Beckford to stay with the offer of an improved deal after the striker's winner at Elland Road on the final day of the season against Bristol Rovers had clinched automatic promotion to the Championship.

But the lure of a direct route straight to the Premier League appears too much for Beckford and following Leeds' decision this could soon be a reality.

Everton today refused to comment on the reports that Beckford was holding talks with them.