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Beckford and Bocanegra Linked - Ipswich Town News

Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford and released Fulham defender Carlos Bocanegra are today's players linked with summer moves to the Blues. Beckford could be on his way out of Elland Road after Leeds failed to win promotion via the play-offs, while Bocanegra has been released by the Cottagers.

Beckford, 24, was taken from non-league Wealdstone by Leeds in 2006 after scoring 35 goals in 40 games for the Isthmian Premier League side , having previously spent time on loan at Uxbridge. The Londoner had been released by Chelsea as a youngster.

Spells on loan at Carlisle and Scunthorpe followed and the 6ft 2in tall frontman was part of the Iron side which won League One in 2006/07.

Beckford made his mark at Elland Road this season, scoring 20 goals in 47 games. Norwich, QPR and Reading are all reportedly interested in the striker, who is contracted until 2010, with Canaries believed to be leading the chase.

Amreican international Bocanegra, 29 on Sunday, was released by Fulham at the end of the season after four years at Craven Cottage.

The 6ft tall central defender, left-back or holding midfielder was previously with MLS side the Chicago Fire and has made 53 appearances for his country, scoring 10 goals.

California-born, Bocanegra said on his release that he is keen to remain in the top flight "I would like to stay in the Premier League but I'm focused on the US team right now so I will let my agent handle all that.

"We have some big games coming up and then we have World Cup qualifiers."

Since then he has been linked with Coventry, PSV Eindhoven and Spanish side Osasuna.

Elsewhere, newly promoted Hull City have been linked with long-term Town target David Healy.

Meanwhile, Town manager Jim Magilton is away on holiday this week, so it is unlikely the Blues will complete any moves until he returns.

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