Somma signed, Becchio next?

Luciano Becchio has gone some way to quashing rumours of an Elland Road exit by revealing he wants to stay at Leeds and is ready to sign a new contract.

The Argentinian striker’s current deal ends in the summer, which has led to speculation linking him with both Hull and Stoke City. But Becchio, 26 revealed he is very happy at the club and wants to join fellow countryman, Carlos Teves in the Premier League as a Leeds United player;

“I want to stay here. I want to live here. My agent has spoken with Leeds and I am ready to sign a new contract.

“Of course I see Leeds going into the Premier League and I want to be part of that. I would like to play with Leeds against Carlos Tevez.

“Tevez was my friend when we were young together with Boca. He is a great player and he is going well for Manchester City.

Following an inspired super-sub performance at the weekend, Simon Grayson joked that his hat-trick from the bench had increased Becchio’s negotiating power, butalso confirmed the Argentinian was an important part of his plans, and that he was keen to keep him at Elland Road.