After his recent departure from Rangers, veteran striker James Beattie could be on his way back to the Premier League, with former clubs Everton and Blackburn joining Newcastle in the quest to take advantage of his availability.
By transfer deadline day last week, Rangers confirmed Beattie had left the club, saying in a statement 'A deal has been agreed with Beattie which terminates his contract and makes him a free agent’.
Beattie was signed by the Scottish side at the beginning of last season by manager Walter Smith, and made a small contribution early on but struggled with injury. He was loaned to Blackpool last season.
However despite failing to make his mark in nine league appearances for Rangers, he still believes he’s got what it takes to do well at Premier League level, and interest from other parties bears this out.
Everton are looking for short-term support for new loan signing Denis Stracqualarsi and cover for the departed Yakubu, while Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean is still on the lookout for depth on the bench and may see Beattie as potential.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are already being linked with a pay-as-you-play deal for the striker, and a statement from the St James' Park confirmed the club had hoped to secure a further striker in the window, in addition to Demba Ba.
The statement released on Friday, added: 'We understand that supporters will feel frustrated that we did not sign another striker during the window.' However the club also admitted it would not be making last minute knee-jerk decisions which are not in the best interests of the club.
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