SPECULATION continues to surround a possible bid for James Beattie from Newcastle.

The Saints star striker has been linked with the north-east club since Christmas but manager Paul Sturrock reiterated this week that there has been no offer for the 26-year-old.

Beattie's representatives yesterday told the Daily Echo they had nothing further to say.

Sources at St James' Park have indicated that Beattie, pictured above, is a player Newcastle would like, but after failing to qualify for the Champions' League, there is doubt as to whether they would be prepared to part with the sort of money needed to buy Beattie.

Saints' top-scorer for the past two seasons is valued at around £7m.

Beattie has ambitions to win medals in his career but has always said he is happy at Saints.

Chairman Rupert Lowe has consistently said that the club's best players will only leave if they choose to.