Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell has rubbished reports linking striker James Beattie with a summer switch to Sunderland.

The Blades were said to have demanded £8million for the 30-year-old, who scored 22 goals in 41 appearances last season.

But Blackwell told the club's official website: "Nobody has spoken to me about it."

Blackwell also dismissed claims he is interested in a number of players including Plymouth midfielder Peter Halmosi.

He added: "We have been mentioned in taking 12 or 13 good named players who are interested in coming to Sheffield United.

"I am looking for good quality players but some of the people who have been mentioned I do not even know their names."