Could Aston Villa, West Ham, or West Brom make a move for the unsettled forward?
The Mail has reported today that former Everton and Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford could be up in the air after a falling out with Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson.
He has scored 14 goals so far this season at the Championship club Leicester. He netted 10 times for Everton last season in the Premier League before being moved on by David Moyes.
Does he deserve a second shot at the Premier League, or is he more suited to a Championship club? Here are three clubs who may find space in their squad for Beckford.
Aston Villa
Villa have been left exposed in the absence of striker Darren Bent, and will be looking to add another centre-forward or two to their squad over the summer. Beckford could inject some much needed pace into the attack and his eye for goal may be just what Villa need. Is he good enough? That is the question fans will be asking. Supporters are already unhappy with the side’s progress under McLeish and they will not accept mistakes in the transfer market. Beckford had a mixed time at Everton, but showed fleeting moment of promise. A year wiser, he will have a point to prove. Villa do not have a lot of money, and may have to look to the Championship for bargains. Not all fans will be convinced, but Beckford is a goalscorer, and will get his fair share, and understand being second choice to Darren Bent.
West Brom
Roy Hodgson showed last year he was not afraid to look into the Championship to sign a goalscorer in Shane Long, and he won’t be afraid to do it again. Peter Odemwingie has been more inconsistent this season that last, and Beckford could be an ideal third striker to keep them on their toes. He is no world beater, but he can worry defences, as he has showed in his last two performances against Chelsea, scoring for both Everton and Leicester. Does he deserve another Premier League chance? Some would argue that he was cut too quickly from Everton, and being third choice striker at West Brom would be a good career move for him, allowing him to ease his way back into top flight football.
West Ham
Promoted or not, West Ham may choose to take a look at Beckford if he becomes available. His goals record against Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea shows he can net against the big teams, and those goals would be crucial if West Ham are to take any points in the top division. At this point though, it does not look like West Ham are going to claim an automatic promotion spot, so if not they will need to reinvent their attack. Out should go Carlton Cole, and more chances should be given to players like Nicky Maynard and the pacy Vaz Te. Beckford would thrive as part of that attack, and guarantee Championship goals. This could be his best option of the three.
Do you want Beckford at your club? Where would he fit in best?
images: © Ben Sutherland, © Ben Sutherland
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