Stoke boss Tony Pulis would not be drawn on a possible move for Sheffield United striker James Beattie. It was reported that the Potters had agreed a fee of around £2.5m for the Blades forward.

When asked about a possible transfer, Pulis refused to confirm the rumours.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "I shall do my business with the football clubs I deal with and not through the media. That's the best way of doing business."