Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford has withdrawn his transfer request and decided to remain at Elland Road until the end of the season, when his contract expires.

Beckford, who already has 20 goals to his name this term, had been linked with a move to Championship leaders Newcastle during the transfer window.

Leeds admit “several financial offers have been made”, but negotiations between Beckford and the club have resulted in the 26-year-old opting to stay and help their promotion bid.

Beckford said: “I have decided I want to finish what I have been striving to do for the last two seasons – and that is to help promote Leeds out of a division in which the club doesn’t belong.”

United saw their lead cut to three points at the top of League One as they suffered only their second defeat of the season as they were beaten 2-0 at mid-table Exeter City, who profited from two goals by Ryan Harley.

Exeter: Jones, Tully, Duffy, Russell, Taylor, Harley, Stansfield (Logan 90), Golbourne, Cozic (Dunne 86), Edwards (Sercombe 74), Stewart. Subs (not used): Marriott, McAllister, Saunders, Fleetwood.

Leeds: Ankergren, Bromby, Naylor (Grella 84), Kisnorbo, Hughes, Snodgrass, Kilkenny, Doyle (Howson 66), Johnson, Beckford, Becchio (Gradel 73). Subs (not used): Jones, Crowe, Michalik, White.

Referee: Graham Scott (Oxfordshire).

Attendance: 8,451.