Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton isn't interested in Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford.

The Evening Chronicle says in January, Hughton confirmed he was interested in signing Beckford, who is out of contract on June 30, and United bid twice for a player valued then by Leeds chairman Ken Bates at £2m.

Hughton has since cooled his interest in the 31-goal striker who is attracting interest from Everton, Aston Villa and Serie A side Parma.

Beckford's decision to stay with Leeds in January left the United backroom team questioning his ambition - Hughton wants players who are hungry to pull on the black-and-white shirt, with Wayne Routledge and Mike Williamson currently examples of the type of character the former Irish international wants at the club.