Stoke agree £2.5m fee for striker Beattie

Premier League side Stoke City have agreed a fee believed to be about £2.5m for Sheffield United striker James Beattie, BBC Radio Stoke reports.

It is understood that Beattie visited the Britannia Stadium on Friday to discuss terms over a possible move.

Negotiations reached an advanced stage with the former Blackburn, Southampton and Everton strike, but a reported last-minute hitch scuppered any chance of sealing his signature in time for the Liverpool game.

Manager Tony Pulis is known to be in the market for a striker with proven pedigree at the top level to complement this week's signing of West Ham winger Matthew Etherington.

The former England international, 30, who joined the Blades for £4m from Everton in 2007, has scored 12 goals in the Championship this season and is believed to be keen on a move to the club.