Becchio takes centre stage

Since signing for Leeds two years ago, Luciano Becchio has played second fiddle to Jermaine Beckford for much of the time. With Beckford now at Everton, Becchio is now his team’s number one striker going into the new season. Early signs look good for the Argentinean. He has just scored four goals in two pre-season games. He followed up his double against Hartlepool with another brace against Norwegian side SK Brann.

Becchio has been a hit with the Elland Road faithful, since signing from Spanish side Merida. In his first two seasons in English football, Becchio has scored 37 goals. His scoring record along with his tireless work-rate has made the former Boca Juniors player has become a cult hero in Yorkshire. After being used as more of a supporting striker in League One, Simon Grayson is looking for Becchio to become more of an out and out goal scorer in the Champioship. Leeds are still looking to bring another forward in before the season starts.

The club have already added Billy Paynter to their playing staff. The former Swindon striker scored 26 goals in League One last season and will be a useful addition to the squad as they look to prove themselves as one of the favourites to win the championship.

Leeds are weighing up some possible loan signings from the Premiership. Aston Villa’s young forward Nathan Delfouneso has been mentioned as a possible Beckford replacement.

If Leeds make a couple more signings before the season starts, then they will be confident of challenging for promotion this season. Along with a new striker, Grayson should be looking at another centre back and a holding midfielder. The club has almost everything needed to be a top Premier League club. Grayson will be hoping to put the finishing touches this season so that come the next campaign, they are one.

They will want to take it a game at a time though and will aim to take three points from their opening game against Derby County. Then, most will be placing a Carling cup bet on them to defeat Lincoln City in their first round tie.

Beyond that, who knows what the season will bring.