PROLIFIC striker James Beattie is hoping to open contract talks shortly but has denied he is a "money grabber".

The 22-year-old marksman has suddenly become one of the hottest properties around after a phenomenal scoring burst of ten goals in the last 11 games.

That burst of form has seen his name linked with Chelsea, Tottenham and now Sunderland, who are said to see him as a long-term replacement for Niall Quinn.

Yet Beattie, who turned down a £3 million move to Crystal Palace earlier in the season, is adamant he does not want to move from The Dell.

He has 18 months remaining on his current contract but is hoping he can sign a new improved deal soon although he is unhappy at national newspaper speculation that he is set to ask for £20,000 a week.

Saints top earners are picking up sums in excess of £10,000 a week. Beattie said: "What has been written is a load of rubbish. I have not mentioned figures to anyone and nor has my agent.

"Someone has plucked a figure out of the air. They have guessed at my current wages and what I will be asking and they are well off the mark.

"I was seething when I saw it in the papers because I have worked hard to get the fans on side and I do not want them to think I am a money-grabbing so-and-so.

"I just want a fair reward for what I am doing and people are always more tolerant if they can see you are earning your money.

"I was worried how people would react when they read that, but to be fair the fans have been quality. I have had a few jokes from them offering to pay it themselves if I will stay!

"But as I've said in the Echo before, I don't want to go. I love it here, I have just bought a house and I want to stay. Now it is up to the club.

"We will be having talks soon. I don't want to put a time scale on it or talk figures at all, but a meeting is due to take place in the near future and I would like to think something will be resolved. It is very flattering to be linked with other clubs but I have heard nothing from Sunderland or anyone else.

"But I don't find it unsettling at all. It is not on my mind - I am just concentrating on scoring goals and doing well for Southampton and hopefully the rest will sort itself out quickly."