WANDERERS are in a strong position to make Jermaine Beckford their first summer signing.

It is understood that discussions have begun over a deal for the 29-year-old striker, who wants to move closer to his home in Lancashire after a difficult two-year spell at Leicester City.

Beckford has been told he has no future under Nigel Pearson at the King Power Stadium and has spent much of this season on loan at Huddersfield Town, who are one of a handful of other clubs keen on the newly-capped Jamaica international.

Sources in Leicester say the club are keen sell the player, who is one of their highest earners after being recruited by Sven Goran Eriksson in 2011.

With just one year left to run on his contract, it is thought that Wanderers will have to pay around £1million to bring him to the Reebok.

Freedman knows the striker well, having played alongside him at Leeds United five years ago.

After spending a short spell in the top flight with Everton, where he scored 10 goals in 40 appearances, Beckford is eager to prove he can fire Wanderers to a higher level and is keen on the move.

Freedman is also at an advanced stage with a defensive signing, although the move has currently been put on ice temporarily with the player in question currently away on holiday.

Beckford’s impressive record at Elland Road saw him net 85 times in 152 games and it is that kind of strike rate that Wanderers have lacked in recent times.

Moves to Goodison Park and Leicester have been less profitable, but Freedman believes he can bring the best out of the London-born front man, who did fire five goals in four games at the very end of the season to keep Huddersfield out of danger.

Meanwhile, it is thought that former Wanderers boss Owen Coyle has put his hat into the ring for the vacant Wolves job.

Coyle was considered for the post prior to Dean Saunders’ appointment back in January.