Blades - Beattie not for sale

Beattie: Going nowhere

Sheffield United have reiterated that James Beattie is not for sale, following renewed speculation about the striker's future.

Beattie cost The Blades £4million from Everton in the summer and has scored 11 goals in the Championship this season.

He has been linked with a January move to Middlesbrough, but Blades chairman Terry Robinson insists the former England international is not for sale.

Robinson told BBC Radio Sheffield: "I can confirm that there is no get-out clause in his contract, and the only way in which James Beattie is leaving Bramall Lane in the January transfer window is if Manchester United come in with a £20m bid!"

No Thompson deal

Meanwhile, United manager Bryan Robson has confirmed David Thompson will not be offered a contract at Bramall Lane.

The midfielder has been training with the club for the past fortnight, but his lack of fitness has ruined his chances of a deal.

Robson said: "David Thompson will not be joining us.

"With the knee injury that he's had, it's going to take a bit of time to get him 100 per cent match fit. I can't really wait that time."