AFTER the Everest high of humiliating arch-adversaries Manchester United in the FA Cup, Leeds United were brought back down to earth with top scorer Jermaine Beckford handing in a transfer request.

Beckford bagged the lone goal – his 20th of the season – to humble Man U, but now the club has confirmed he wants away, denting their drive for ascent from Coca-Cola League One.

The 26-year-old, whose contract expires in the summer, has been strongly linked with a move. Coca-Cola Championship leaders Newcastle head the chase for his signature.

Leeds revealed Beckford informed them of his desire to leave last month, although they insist their star forward will not be allowed to leave on the cheap.

Said a club statement: “The transfer request was handed in on December 30.

“By handing in a transfer request it clearly indicates the player wants to leave Leeds United.

“However, that will only be allowed to happen in the event that it is decided to be in the best interests of Leeds United.

“The best interests of Leeds United involve receiving both an acceptable transfer fee and securing a suitable replacement to ensure his departure does not have an adverse effect on the club’s overall aim of securing promotion back to the Coca-Cola Championship.”

The Beckford revelation comes as tomorrow marks the resumption of the bread and butter business that Leeds need to attend to most.

Giant-killing glory is all well and good, but manager Simon Grayson – “immensely proud” of ousting the Premier League champions – will be stressing the main goal of promotion. And that means having just as sharp a focus for tomorrow’s visitors Wycombe Wanderers as it was to Sir Alex Ferguson’s mega-stars.

As Bradley Johnson declared: “We want people to think we are coming back. We want to get out of this league this year.”

For the visit of the Chairboys Grayson has to decide whether to restore Scottish Under-21 international winger Robert Snodgrass after his impressive display coming off the bench at Old Trafford.

Wycombe welcome back striker John Akinde from a three-match ban imposed for violent conduct during a match against Oldham.

He is on loan from Bristol City, while Wycombe boss Gary Waddock has also extended the loan spell of Reading midfielder Scott Davies.

Leeds defender Alan Sheehan, who joined Swindon on loan in November, can stay with the Robins until the end of the season.