Martin O'Neill's strikeforce is the area most in need of reinforcements and the Elland Road goal-getter's availability would suit Villa's prudent approach.
The 26-year-old scored 24 goals to fire Leeds to second in League One and secure promotion back to the Championship this season.
But Beckford has Premier League ambitions and has chosen to run down his contract to become a free agent from July 1.
The former Wealdstone striker would appear to fit O'Neill's player profile in that he is an emerging English talent with potential to improve.
Beckford has averaged more than a goal every two games for Leeds and finished the season with 31 goals in all competitions.
Newcastle were keen on signing Beckford in January but were put off by the £2million asking price.
The newly-promoted Magpies are set to renew their interest in Beckford while Everton and Italian club Parma are also believed to be monitoring the situation.
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk