Everton favourites to sign Jermaine Beckford from Leeds United

Everton hope to conclude the free transfer of Jermaine Beckford from Leeds United at the end of this season. The striker, who has scored 30 goals for the League One club this season and impressed against Premier League opponents in the club's FA Cup run, has rejected several contract offers and has been linked with top-flight teams for several months. Everton are understood to be favourites for the 26-year-old's signature this summer. David Moyes will also attempt to sign a proven striker at the top level and tie Steven Pienaar and Jack Rodwell to new contracts. The Everton manager, who is also closing in on a £500,000 deal for João Silva of Desportivo Aves, the leading scorer in the Portuguese second division, said: "The chairman and the chief executive are moving things along on the contracts and hopefully they will be done in the coming weeks. Beyond that we want to get one or two players in, with one or two in as back-up as well. The main thing is we are keen to keep what we have got." Everton will play three games in Australia as part of their pre-season preparations. Moyes's side will face Brisbane Roar on 10 July, Melbourne Heart on 14 July and Sydney FC on 17 July.