Defender Ben Parker is backing Jermaine Beckford to shoot down another big gun when Leeds look to repeat their third-round FA Cup heroics at Tottenham.

Since Beckford's searing pace allowed him to squeeze home a shock winner for Leeds against Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier this month, there has been endless speculation over the 26-year-old's future.

Newcastle have had three bids, the latest understood to be £1.5million, turned down and although Beckford has withdrawn a transfer request, it has been reported he has signed a pre-contract agreement with Everton with a view to becoming their player once his Leeds contract runs out at the end of the season.

Leeds manager Simon Grayson has still not ruled out the possibility of persuading Beckford to sign a new deal at Elland Road in the summer, while Parker revealed it was business as usual for the former Wealdstone forward.

Parker, hoping to return to the squad on Saturday following a five-month lay-off due to a groin injury, said: "We let Jermaine be Jermaine to be honest.

"It's fantastic that he's staying. I've always said what will happen will happen, but now it's sorted we can just get on with it and hopefully he will continue to get us goals.

"People often ask me what Jermaine is like and I've got nothing but good things to say about him. He's a fantastic lad, down to earth, likes to have a laugh like the rest of us and he doesn't get treated differently to anyone else.

"If he misses chances though, stay out of his way because he can get a bit grumpy.

"But he's proved what a good player he is and if he gets a chance I'm sure he will put it away."

Parker, yet to play this season since being forced out of the opening-day win over Exeter, is keen to look up on some old mates at White Hart Lane, home now to former Leeds players Aaron Lennon, Jonathan Woodgate, Robbie Keane and ex-Thorp Arch academy starlet Danny Rose.

Of Lennon, who has been ruled out of today's game with a groin injury, Parker said: "We were here a long time and grew up playing together. He's gone on to do fantastic things.

"Some of the things he does, only wizards can do to be honest. We always knew he had the ability to achieve what he has done. It's no surprise to me he's a regular for England. I just wish him all the best really. He's a great player along with Robbie Keane and Jonathan Woodgate.

"But we can't single those players out, they've got a whole team full of internationals. Their squad is fantastic, so it will be another big test for us."