NEWCASTLE United have lined up a summer move for Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford – and in a sign of their enduring pulling power the forward is prepared to wait for news on the club’s future before deciding on his next move.

Alan Shearer’s future remains in limbo but The Journal understands that he has already drawn up a transfer wish-list in the hope that he is confirmed as United’s new boss before the end of the week.

It includes a mix of Premier League and lower league targets and Leeds forward Beckford – a prolific scorer in League One over the past two seasons – is understood to be one of the names near the head of the list.

Bristol City defender Bradley Orr, formerly in United’s youth system, is another name included on it.

Beckford has been regularly watched by the club and United were on the verge of launching a bid for him in the January transfer window before Joe Kinnear pulled the plug on the deal because he did believe the 24-year-old was ready for the top flight.

Relegation looks to have changed the minds of those now in charge at St James’s Park – and it is encouraging that Beckford would be prepared to play a waiting game to secure a move to Newcastle.

Transfer-listed by Leeds, Beckford has just turned down a contract offer from Elland Road as he looks to move out of the third tier.

But a source close to the player indicated that Newcastle would be his preferred destination if Shearer and Newcastle decide to follow up their initial interest.

Any move would have to wait until Shearer is confirmed as manager, which could be another week or so away.

But his fears that he may lose out on players because of the delay could be unfounded.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the club’s ownership and management, they still retain considerable pull.

One agent told The Journal that United are still considered the biggest draw in the Football League despite the chaotic off-the-field events since relegation from the Premier League was confirmed at Aston Villa.