Source: Daily_Mail
THE INSIDER: Stoke stand firm over Celtic target James Beattie
Simon Jones is Sportsmail'sman on the inside of all the major transfer moves this summer. [LNB] His column, published every weekday, offers an insight into the deals which will be done and those that won't - and why. [LNB]A 5/5-rating means The Insider reckons it's a done deal; 0/5 means The Insider has his mortgage on it not happening.[LNB]Don't miss your daily instalment of The Insider every weekday through the transfer window here at MailOnline.[LNB]James BeattieStoke to Celtic - The Insider says: 2/5Bad move: Beattie clashed with his boss[LNB]Beattie's spell at Stoke has turned sour since his infamous dressing-room bust-up with Tony Pulis back in December. [LNB]While Stoke maintainedthe matter was resolved it has obviously cast a shadow over Beattie'srole at the club and he has found himself on the periphery ever since. [LNB]Fulham, West Brom and Blackburn have all shown interest over the pastsix months but Stoke do not want to let him go for anything other than £2million and for a 32-year-old that is causing interested clubs toreconsider. [LNB]Celtic also like Beattie as they weigh up various targetsbut again they are not blessed with cash and the same problems mayoccur. [LNB]Clubs would prefer a loan deal or a knockdown fee up front withpotential add-ons based on goals yet it seems Beattie may be facingmore frustration as Stoke stand firm. [LNB]Fraser ForsterNewcastle to Burnley - The Insider says: 4/5High hopes: Magpies keeper Forster[LNB]Highly rated goalkeeper Forster enjoyed a loan spell at Norwich lastseason which still has scouts talking about him up and down thecountry. [LNB]Norwich wanted him again but couldn't wait too long for a decision and have now gone for Everton's John Ruddy. [LNB]Burnleyhave been pondering a move for Forster for over a month as theyconsider other targets such as Sheffield Wednesday's Lee Grant andPreston's Andy Lonergan.[LNB] Those would cost decent cash though,particularly Lonergan, and a loan deal for Forster is more likely -although they could still face late competition from elsewhere. [LNB]Veteranstopper Brian Jensen may not be too happy but Brian Laws wants toincrease competition for places and has already acquired some astutesignings to help Burnley push for an instant Premier League return.[LNB]Gary O'NeilMiddlesbrough to Blackburn - The Insider says: 2/5Aiming high: O'Neil wants to be back in the top flight[LNB]Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is in an awkward position as he awaits news of the club's takeover talks with Indian businessmen. [LNB]If the deal falls through then he is left with very little to spend unless he can push more players through the exit door. [LNB]And while the deal is still in the balance he can't commit to transfer fees because of legal requirements and who would be footing the bill. [LNB]Instead he is having to check around for potential signings; ones he could bring in on loan, free transfers and small fees. [LNB]O'Neil is eager to play in the Premier League again and has attracted interest from four or five clubs including Wigan and Everton. [LNB]Boro would want to recoup around £3.5m though after compromising on additional payments to his former club Portsmouth last season. [LNB]Stefan MaeirhoferWolves to Sheffield United - The Insider says: 2/5Tall order: Wolves striker Maierhofer[LNB]The 6ft 7ins striker has not had the best of years following his move from Rapid Vienna last summer. [LNB]After being given limited game time by Mick McCarthy, he was critical of the manager's decision to leave him on the sidelines and that has backfired. [LNB]McCarthy has been rewarded by the performances of those he did play and Maierhofer finds himself looking for a new club already. [LNB]Bristol City took him on loan last season but they are unlikely to follow up interest. [LNB]Sheffield United, though, are keen on the 27-year-old and manager Kevin Blackwell is weighing up his budget and what he can do. [LNB]He may prefer to ask for a season long loan though Wolves would prefer to sell the Austria international for around £1m.[LNB] More from Simon Jones - The Insider... THE INSIDER: Didier Drogba down Manchester City priorities, Javier Mascherano too pricey, Steven Pienaar far from Spurs09/07/10 THE INSIDER: Fancy Zlat? Manchester City target Barcelona striker, Wigan offer escape to Alcaraz and Hammers keep knocking on Dorrans08/07/10 THE INSIDER: David Ngog on West Brom radar, Aston Villa to test Scott Parker's loyalty at West Ham and Dusko Tosic to leave Pompey07/07/10 THE INSIDER: Manchester United must work hard to capture Wesley Sneijder but Rafik Halliche will not be heading for Arsenal06/07/10 THE INSIDER: Nadir Belhadj's Lazio move in doubt, Dan Golsing too risky for Newcastle and West Ham lead chase for Pablo Barrera 05/07/10 THE INSIDER: Tottenham tracking Barcelona starlet Gai Assulin while Besiktas tempt Manchester City's Roque Santa Cruz towards the Eastlands exit 02/07/10 THE INSIDER: Roy Hodgson hoping Brede Hangeland follows him to Liverpool as Arsenal line up £10m Germany ace Per Mertesacker01/07/10 THE INSIDER: Sol Campbell makes Celtic wait, Robbie Blake heads for Bolton and Manchester City don't need Landon Donovan30/06/10 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE [LNB]
