ASTON VILLA chairman Doug Ellis must find extra millions if his manager David O'Leary wants to sign James Beattie during the January transfer window.

As revealed in later editions of yesterday's Daily Echo, O'Leary is facing a striker crisis after England ace Darius Vassell broke an ankle during the weekend win over Fulham.

That has left O'Leary with just Juan Pablo Angel and Chelsea's on loan Carlton Cole, who is rumoured to be on his way back to Stamford Bridge in January.

However, the Echo understands there is at least one major stumbling block - Villa will NOT be prepared to stretch far beyond the £6m offer that was considered too low in August.

Back then Saints made their intentions to keep hold of Beattie clear when they rejected two Villa offers - the highest of which was £6m - and said an improved bid would not be welcome.

Everton remain front-runners for Beattie if they decide to follow up their interest in January - when the striker will have 18 months left on his current contract - as they have a larger transfer kitty than Villa thanks to the Wayne Rooney transfer.

SAINTS reserves were held 0-0 by rock bottom Ipswich in last night's Premier League South clash at Portman Road.

David McGoldrick, Kenwyne Jones and Danny Higginbotham all went close for Stewart Henderson's side against an Ipswich side now without a win in eight game.

Saints: Andrew McNeil, Chris Baird, Martin Cranie, Simon Gillett, Matthew Mills, Danny Higginbotham, Leandre Griffit, Arron Davies, David McGoldrick (Theo Walcott 65), Kenwyne Jones, Andrew Surman.

Subs not used: Eddie Anaclet, Michael Poke (gk), Tim Sparv.

Ex-Saints manager Gordon Strachan is expected to be approached to be the next Scotland boss if Berti Vogts' dismal reign in charge is ended today by the SFA.