Leeds United star Jermaine Beckford is a Chelsea reject, it has been revealed.

The Guardian says after starring at Walpole Wanderers, a London boys team, as a boy, the Ealing-bred youngster joined Chelsea's youth set-up but failed to make the grade.

No matter, a decade on he is one of this transfer window's hottest properties and Leeds boss Simon Grayson seems resigned to losing him.

"We are not looking to sell Jermaine," said the Leeds manager. "But money talks with any player."