Blades yet to agree Beattie move

Beattie has scored 34 goals in 57 league starts for Sheffield

Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe has told BBC Radio Sheffield that Stoke City have made a bid for James Beattie.

The 30-year-old was not in the Blades squad in their 1-0 win over Norwich City as speculation mounts over his Bramall Lane future.

"We've had a an approach from Stoke for James Beattie and they have offered money, but we are not really happy with what is on the table.

"You have to look in bids in line with what the player requires.

Beattie is the Blades leading scorer with 12 goals so far this term and news of his possible departure has caused uproar amongst the fans. McCabe is surprised at the mass hysteria surrounding the proposed move:

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"I am just a bit perplexed that we create a drama out of a January transfer window approach and Sheffield United are in a great position. Any movement is with the ambition of strengthening the squad."

"It is not whether James leaves, it's whether James wants to leave. I don't know if he does want to leave because I have not spoken to him about it. I just don't understand why people are making a drama out of it.

McCabe continued "We are not negotiating with Stoke at the moment, because we have not had a proposal that is acceptable. There is no deal been done as yet for James Beattie whether there will be I don't know, if James were to go it is because we are going to strengthen the club."