Beattie has scored 34 goals in 57 league starts for Sheffield

Sheffield United have denied that they have agreed a fee with Stoke for striker James Beattie.

The Potters were reported to have made an offer of �2.5m for the 30-year-old but United chairman Kevin McCabe said: "No deal has been struck.

"And if movement of players does occur, particularly involving those you do not want to go, then it would only be done to strengthen, not weaken the club.

"We will ensure that everything we do is in our best interests."

It is understood that Beattie visited the Britannia Stadium on Friday to discuss terms over a possible move.

The former England international, 30, who has scored 34 goals in 65 appearances since joining the Blades for �4m from Everton in 2007, has scored 12 goals in the Championship this season.

The Blades are currently sixth in the Championship.

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"I can confirm that Stoke have made an enquiry," Blades manager Kevin Blackwell told the Sheffield Star.

"I have left it with my board of directors and it is up to them to decide what to do from here.

"As far as I'm concerned James is still a United player and that is how it will stay until I'm told otherwise."

Beattie began his career with Blackburn Rovers, before leaving to join Southampton in 1998.

The 2003/04 season saw Beattie score 17 goals for the Saints which led him to move to Goodison Park in January 2005.

Beattie has also won five caps for England, making his debut in the 3-1 defeat to Australia in February 2003.

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