Leicester City launch Jermaine Beckford bid

Everton centre forward Jermaine Beckford has become the subject of a £3m bid from Championship club Leicester City, according to The Mirror.

The 27-year-old scored ten times for the Toffees last season after completing a free transfer from Leeds United.

Leicester manager Sven Goran Eriksson has turned his attentions to Beckford after reportedly failing with bids for Robbie Keane, Shane Long and Emile Heskey.

"The target is to find a striker who can score us 20 goals a season," said the Swedish boss.

"But it will difficult because it is not always about money - the problem is we are in the Championship."

The Foxes have been installed by many bookmakers as favourites to be promoted this season.