James Beattie touted for Newcastle or Everton move after Rangers exit

Posted Saturday, September 03, 2011 by Talksport.co.uk

Veteran forward James Beattie could be set for a shock return to the Premier League, with former clubs Everton and Blackburn - as well as well as striker-shy Newcastle United - all alerted to his availability following his release by Rangers.

Beattie, 33, was loaned out to Blackpool by the Scottish outfit last season and has now been declared surplus to requirements at Ibrox.

James Beattie touted for Newcastle or Everton move after Rangers exit
Free agent: James Beattie

However, despite failing to find the net for the Tangerines in nine league appearances, he still believes he can cut it at the top level - prompting his representatives to circulate his name to a number of clubs.

While there are still limited indications of interest, possible suitors for Beattie include Everton, who are looking for short-term support for new loan signing Denis Stracqualarsi and cover for the departed Yakubu.

Another of Beattie's former clubs who could move for the out-of-contract former England man is Blackburn Rovers, as boss Steve Kean is still on the lookout for depth on the bench and may see Beattie as a potential impact player.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are already being linked with a pay-as-you-play deal for the former Gers star, with a statement from the St James' Park side confirming 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, Beattie's representatives may have a battle on their hands to persuade Newcastle to sign the 33-year-old after the club admitted it would not be making 'knee-jerk decisions at the last-minute which are not in the best interests of the club'.

QPR though could do with another hitman - should injury strike either DJ Campbell or Jay Bothroyd.

On transfer deadline day on Wednesday, Rangers confirmed the forward had departed from the club, which has left his management scrambling.

In a statement, the Scottish Premier League outfit said: 'A deal has been agreed with Beattie which terminates his contract and makes him a free agent.

'Beattie was signed at the beginning of last season by [manager] Walter Smith and made a small contribution early on but then suffered injury and was loaned to Blackpool.'