Sunderland are not thought to be interested in James Beattie despite reports linking them with a £5million bid for the Sheffield United star.

Beattie has been heavily linked with a move back to the Premier League this summer after hitting 22 goals for the Blades last term and it was reported that Roy Keane wanted to take him as cover for Kenwyne Jones, who will miss the start of the season with a knee injury.

However, sources in the North East claim there is no interest in the 30-year-old from the Black Cats.

Beattie has also been linked with Middlesbrough and Aston Villa but Kevin Blackwell says he is yet to receive a bid for any of his players so far this summer.