Beattie top of O’Leary’s transfer list

ASTON VILLA manager David O’Leary yesterday revealed Southampton striker James Beattie remains top of his list of transfer targets.

Southampton confirmed earlier this week that Villa had failed with a bid for the 26-year-old, thought to be worth £6 million.

It is believed the Saints want around £8m, but O’Leary insisted : “He’s a player I’d love to bring in here.”

O’Leary fears he will miss out on Beattie unless chairman Doug Ellis increases his bid.

But the Villa boss has made no secret of his desire to land the player, who may be ruled out of tomorrow’s Villa Park clash between the two clubs with a thigh strain.

O’Leary added: “They’ve rejected a bid but I’d like to have the player. I don’t control these things but I think we’ve made a bid and that will be the end of it.”