Beattie holds key to Sheffield United striker jigsaw
Kevin Blackwell has rejected a Derby offer of Rob Earnshaw in exchange for Rob Hulse - leaving James Beattie as the key man in Sheffield United's transfer jigsaw.
Beattie could become the target of a surprise opening bid from Nottingham Forest amid mounting uncertainty over the future of United's top player.
The Telegraph understands from Midlands sources that Forest - also leading the race for Earnshaw - are considering what would be seen as an audacious approach for Beattie following their promotion from League One.
Although it would be unlikely to succeed, United boss Blackwell is clearly cramped for cash without relieving some of the pressure on the club's wage bill. It looks significant that he has refused to consider parting with his other main target man, Hulse, who was the subject of the "Two Robs" swap proposed by Derby manager Paul Jewell.
Blackwell declined to deal and is in no position to put money on the table for £2.5m rated Earnshaw who is in talks at the City Ground over a straight cash transfer. Whether Forest could afford Beattie as well is doubtful but they are different types of player and, with Colin Calderwood seeking a prestige signing, a lot hinges on Earnshaw's decision.
Beattie, who is not forcing the issue one way or the other, would clearly favour a Premiership club if he did leave the Blades.
But the interest - yet to materialise in an official approach - is a statement of Forest's intent to use their regained Championship platform as a springboard back to the top flight. As a big club in all but current status, the twice European Cup winners will flex some financial muscle this summer.
They cannot be unaware that United would demand at least a return of the £4m they paid for the 21-goal marksman in prising him from Everton as the club's record signing. And Beattie himself would command wages of around £20,000 a week in keeping with his Bramall Lane deal.
Blackwell is under no pressure to make major improvements to what is acknowledged to be a good squad. But he will have to wheel and deal for any signings in the light of unspecified wage restraints that would be removed at a stroke if Beattie left. Clearly neither he nor chairman Kevin McCabe would relish that prospect and the board insist there is no financial imperative to sell.
It would be an unpopular measure that could be seen in some quarters as a lowering of sights. On the other hand, Beattie is 30 and pragmatism also applies. He has suitors from the top flight with Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Sunderland all keen.
There is no certainty, however, that shoppers at the higher end of the market will retrace their steps to the former Southampton and Everton forward. A sale to the Championship cannot be ruled out, much as a move to the Premiership would sit better with all concerned, including Blades fans.
As things stand, Blackwell must juggle over his £1.5m pursuit of Wigan's David Cotterill and a possible interest in last season's other loan winger, Lee Martin of Manchester United.
Beattie seems to hold the key to so many issues, including the future of other Lane assets - notably Michael Tonge, said to be a £4m target for Blackburn.
