O'Leary Not Aware Of Any Beattie Bid

The Villa boss, who lodged a bid for the England striker during the summer, has said that transfer dealings at Villa Park are done by chairman Doug Ellis and that he has heard nothing from the Villa supremo to suggest a new bid for Beattie has been made.

O'Leary told Villa's official website: "My chairman handles everything.

"There's rumours that we've tabled a bid, but my chairman hasn't come to me telling me he's bid for anybody, so that's all I know.

"I have given the board a list of four players who will bring quality. It is not a big ask.

"If we get one, the process of taking the club to the next level will take that bit longer. It is up to the board, quite rightly.

"I think there is £6million there from the summer to spend that I might now get in January to spend.

"I don't like speaking about players at other clubs, but I have been hearing rumours that we have bids for people.

"We need four players in different positions to boost the squad. We have got 14 players and kids. I would like to bring it to 18 and kids."

Newcastle and Everton have also been linked with Beattie who Saints boss Harry Redknapp feels may have to be sold to accumulate funds for new signings in January.