Potters must wait for Beattie

Stoke City will have to wait a little longer to be able to complete the signing of former England striker James Beattie from Sheffield United.

The Potters had been hoping to tie up a £2.5million deal for the 30-year-old in time for the clash with Liverpool, but the Blades say that no final agreement has yet been reached.

United boss Kevin Blackwell told the Sheffield Star: "I can confirm that Stoke have made an enquiry.

"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."

Blades chairman Kevin McCabe added: "No deal has been struck.

"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, as always, everything we do is in our best interests."

Beattie has scored 34 goals in 65 appearances since moving to Bramall Lane from Everton in a £4million deal in the summer of 2007.