Everton are ready to hand released Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford a four-year contract.

The hitman, whose 31 goals helped the Yorkshire club win promotion to the Championship this season, was to leave Elland Road at the end of June.

But United chairman Ken Bates has allowed him to quit now so the 26-year-old can tie up the loose ends of his switch.

Beckford whose dramatic late winner against Bristol Rovers three weeks ago clinched runners-up spot in League One for Leeds, snubbed the offer of a new deal.

He will undergo a medical this weekend before penning a four-year deal worth £20,000 a week.