Leeds United chairman Ken Bates has expressed his "disappointment and surprise" at Jermaine Beckford's decision to reject a new contract with the club.

The striker, who scored 34 goals last season but has only 12 months on his existing contract to run, was transfer-listed by the club on Tuesday after turning down the offer of a new three-year deal.

"I'm both disappointed and surprised," the chairman told Yorkshire Radio.

"18 months ago we gave both him and Tresor Kandol extended contracts, without being asked, in recognition of their service. And that put their money up quite considerably.

"We thought we would wait to see where we ended up this season before making him a new offer. There is no way we can justify meeting the demands and apart from which we can't afford it.

"It's disappointing, but these things happen. I'll be very suprised wherever he goes if he gets the same support and back-up from the backroom staff as he's had here.

"You have to bear in mind he is a free agent at the end of next season and can walk away on a free transfer. You have to balance that. We had it with David Healy when he went to Fulham, when the following year he would have been a free transfer.

"Money isn't everything in life - unless you are an MP - and Jermaine may want to consider how happy he would be away from Yorkshire, but that's his decision. And that of his agent who is hopefully giving him advice that is in the best interests of Jermaine rather than just a fee-making exercise."

You can hear more from Ken Bates on Yorkshire Radio after 11am and 5.30pm...