Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Blackburn sniff around James Beattie – but why?

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A number of Premier League clubs are taking a look at Sheffield United’s James Beattie with a view to bagging the former England international in January, but with his ropey Everton past – is he really worth the gamble?

Beattie never set the world alight at Goodison, and was eventually had to settle for a Sheffield United exit route. Despite his Goodison nightmare though, Beattie is eager to get back to the big time. Beattie explained:

‘Things didn’t exactly work out between me and David Moyes, it was a dream come true going there and being given the No 9 shirt, with all the history and
tradition attached to it.

‘I didn’t need any reminding of the illustrious names who had worn it down the years and I saw it as a really exciting chapter in my career. I had a good feeling about it, especially when he promised me two wingers and lots of crosses.

‘That’s what I thrive on but it never happened. I was either on my own up front or not in the team. There were times when I felt I was fourth or fifth in the pecking order. I was at a low ebb when Bryan Robson came in and offered me a fresh start at Bramall Lane.

‘He was a massive influence on my decision to drop down a division. I remember sitting at home listening to how he was going to structure the team round me, when a thought struck me. One of the biggest names in English football was sitting in my living room telling me how much he wanted me to play for his team.

‘I was sorry when he left, but the new boss has wasted no time making his mark. You can see it has had the desired effect. If we had started last season the way we finished it, we’d have been promoted by February.

‘Now I’m being linked with Premier League clubs and it is flattering. I want to get back there as quickly as possible, and I hope it can be with Sheffield United.

‘I just hope we can do it this season. I have got 81 goals at that level and won’t rest until I reach three figures.’ (Daily Mail)

Beattie’s rocky time at Everton is conveniently swept under the carpet with the above statement. Beattie implies that it was Everton’s system that caused his poor goal returns, but if memory serves he fluffed a large number of sitters at Goodison, missed chances that make a lack of wingers an irrelevant side-issue.

With Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Fulham and Sunderland all strolking their chins pondering a move for the Sheffield Utd striker, would you be happy with Beattie at your club?

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