Blackwell unsure on Beattie

Beattie: Stoke target

Kevin Blackwell has admitted he does not know whether James Beattie will remain a Sheffield United player.

Stoke have made an enquiry for Beattie and are expected to step up their pursuit over the coming days.

Blackwell left Beattie out of his side for Saturday's victory over Norwich but he hopes to keep the striker at Bramall Lane.

Asked if Beattie would figure in Tuesday's FA Cup clash with Leyton Orient, Blackwell told Sky Sports News: "I don't know. Things are up in the air a little bit and James' head is not quite right.

"We will let him stay at home and we will sort that out in the next few days.

Whatever will be, will be."

Blackwell accepts that United may have to sell Beattie, although the manager opposes the whole idea of a transfer window.

Big name

Asked if Beattie would stay with the Blades, Blackwell replied: "You just don't know and that's why I don't like the transfer window. I don't think it's the right way to run business to cram everything into a month and wheel and deal.

"I would want to keep every player here that could do a job for the team but I am aware that you have to run the club financially.

"James Beattie is such a big name and we have had loads of enquiries about him.

"I didn't think we would keep him in the summer. I was lucky to get through that window and I was always fearful of this window."

Blackwell does not want to stand in Beattie's way if a Premier League club makes a firm offer but he feels the 30-year-old would be happy to stay.

"Beatts love it here," he said. "But there has been significant interest from Premier League clubs and I have said I will not deny him that opportunity, so let's see what happens."