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Leeds United will benefit financially from the sale of James Milner to Aston Villa by Newcastle United.

Newcastle bought Milner in 2004 when Leeds were selling everything including the goldfish. Surprisingly Leeds United remembered to insert a sell-on clause in the highly-rated youngster’s contract of sale.

Aston Villa have today paid Newcastle £10 million pounds for the Leeds United-supporting 22-year old.

Leeds United have confirmed that money will be received from the sale but have refused to say how much.

Gary McAllister has just two days before the close of the transfer window to spend the windfall on the extra player that he has been making room for in the squad with the removal of Bayly and Weston this week.

Leeds United have been charged by the Football Association for allegedly using an unlicensed agent when purchasing Anthony Elding from Stockport County in January 2008.

Leeds United have responded with a statement that no payment was made to Lorenzo Paolo, who was the agent involved in Elding’s transfer.

If the FA charge is proved then Leeds United would face a financial penalty, although Luton Town were deducted points in an extreme case recently.

Curtis Weston today terminated his contract with Leeds United.

The midfielder is part-way through a 28 day loan to Gillingham FC. However, Gary McAllister had made it clear that he was not part of this season’s plans, a fact confirmed by his squad number of 40.

Earlier this week McAllister had said that he needed to move people out of Elland Road before he can bring in another player. Yesterday Robert Bayly left and today Curtis acknowledged the the truth that his Elland Road days were over.

Weston is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Kent club this week. We wish him all the best in his future career.

Leeds United 4 Crystal Palace 0 - Carling Cup 2nd Round

Gary McAllister made eight changes to the United side that misfired against Yeovil Town in the league on Saturday. The side included 16 year-old debutant Aidan White at left-back and 36 year-old debutant Paul Telfer.

Leeds took an early lead when Beckford flicked on a long ball for out-of-favour Jonathon Douglas to lob over the Palace keeper. Douglas had an excellent night and most in the crowd expect McAllister to rethink the midfielder’s future - he is out of contact at the end of this season.

Then it was Beckford’s turn to score, putting away a cross from Neil Kilkenny fresh from the Beijing Olympics with the Olyroos. That’s how the first half ended with a comfortable lead for United.

Shortly after the restart, exciting Argentinian striker, Luciano Becchio scored his second goal in a week with a headed in the 52nd minute. Becchio scored in the first minute of Saturday’s game against Yeovil.

It was Becchio’s replacement, Nigerian striker Enoch Showunmi, who scored United’s fourth with a curled shot.

After the game MacAllister said, “”I thought Luciano Becchio led the line fantastically, and that some of the combinations in the middle of the park and some of the movement in the final third was excellent.”

Palace manager Neil Warnock was magnanimous after the defeat at a stadium where he has enjoyed much success as Sheffield United manager: “Quite honestly we couldn’t cope with the front lads. Once the second goal went in it was disappointing to say the least.

“If you defend like that you’re going to get beat against any level of opposition and I thought the two centre forwards bullied our defenders from start to finish.

“I’m not used to coming to Leeds and losing. I usually enjoy coming here and putting one over on them but they thoroughly deserved it.”

So Leeds United reach the third round of the Carling Cup and the chance of a meeting with one of the top four Premier League sides which should guarantee a crowd much bigger than the disappointing one tonight which barely reached five figures.

Leeds United: Lucas, Richardson, Michalik, Telfer, Aidan White (Johnson 73), Hughes, Douglas, Delph, Kilkenny, Beckford (Howson 78), Becchio (Showunmi 57).
Subs Not Used: Martin, Marques, Robinson, Snodgrass.

Goals: Douglas 11, Beckford 32, Becchio 52, Showunmi 76.

Crystal Palace: Flahavan, Ertl, Lawrence, McCarthy, Hill, Soares, Watson (Fletcher 88), Carle (Hills 63), Djilali, Andrew, Moses (Ifill 66).
Subs Not Used: Speroni, Thomas, Oster, Griffit.

Att: 10,765

Ref: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).