The James Beattie move to Newcastle saga continues with more speculation that the Saints striker is on top of the Magpies' wanted list.

Claims that Beattie will be moving north, to enhance his chances of playing for England and to be groomed to take over from Alan Shearer, appeared in national newspapers again today.

But only 24 hours earlier Saints issued a denial on their website over the rumoured £6-£7m move.

It said: "We have had absolutely no interest from anywhere for James. If and when there is then we will deal with it but our players are not for sale We are not a selling club."

Saints have also denied reports linking them with Crewe striker Dean Ashton.

Chris Baird, meanwhile, yesterday confirmed a new two-year deal with Saints, as previously reported in the Daily Echo