Villa and Everton battle for Beattie
First Published: Dec 31, 2004
Aston Villa and Everton are locked in a six-million-pound battle for Southampton striker James Beattie, shown here in 2002, the Villa chairman Doug Ellis revealed.
Aston Villa and Everton are locked in a six-million-pound battle for Southampton striker James Beattie, the Villa chairman Doug Ellis revealed.
Ellis said that Everton, pressing for a Champions League place, have matched his offer and it is now up to the 26-year-old to decide where he wants to go when the transfer window opens on Saturday.
"It's up now to the club to give us the authority to meet the boy and draw up a contract if he wishes to come," Ellis told the BBC.
Newcastle are also believed to be in the hunt for the England forward.
Beattie's sale is expected to fund Southampton manager Harry Redknapp's plans to buy the players he needs to boost the club's relegation fight.
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