Aston Villa have joined the battle for Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford.

The Sunday Express says Beckford, whose goals helped the Yorkshire club win promotion to the Championship, becomes a free agent on July 1 after refusing to sign a new contract at Elland Road.

Everton boss David Moyes has been the frontrunner in a battle to sign the striker plucked from non-league Wealdstone in 2006.

But Villa manager Martin O'Neill is now considering an approach for a player desperate to prove himself in the Premier League.

Newcastle United tried to sign the 26-year-old in the January transfer window only to be frightened off by Leeds United's £2 million valuation.