Billy Sharp and James Beattie have set tongues wagging about a truly unlikely transfer – but it seems they were in on a Las Vegas hoax.

The pair, who became friends during their time at Sheffield United, got plenty of fans talking when Saints striker Sharp posted a picture on his Twitter page of him shaking hands with St Mary’s goalscoring legend Beattie, who has recently been appointed player manager at League Two Accrington Stanley.

The pair were photographed along with agent James Featherstone, who represents both of them.

Sharp’s tweet read: “Delighted 2 announce season long loan 2 @asfcofficial and to work 4 my mate @1jamesbeattie deal done by @jlfomnisports.”

The Internet has been buzzing over the deal ever since – until closer inspection of the photo revealed it was taken in a Las Vegas casino.

Stanley’s managing director Rob Hayes was even called upon to clarify the situation.

He said: “James went on holiday to Florida after he was appointed as manager and he’s gone on to have a few days in Vegas.

“It looks like he has met Billy at a hotel there.

“But there has certainly been no contact between the two clubs and there would have to be for anything to happen.

“It’s fair to say his parent club would have to pay the majority of his wages for a move like that to happen.”

As reported yesterday by the Daily Echo, Sharp is set for sit down talks with manager Mauricio Pochettino about his future in just under a fortnight.

Sharp fired the goals to help Saints to promotion to the Premier League but hasn’t had a chance to prove himself at that level.

He spent the majority of last season on loan at Championship side Nottingham Forest, who would like to get him back for their next campaign.

There are also believed to be a host of other Championship clubs eyeing a possible move – so long as he and Beattie don’t seal a deal before they return from holiday.