Beattie linked with Rovers return

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is rumoured to be lining up a swap deal for Stoke striker James Beattie, who started his career with Rovers.

Allardyce admitted at the weekend he has no money to spend in next month's transfer window, with players needing to leave if he is to strengthen the squad.

The move for Beattie, who was involved in a bust-up with Stoke boss Tony Pulis earlier this month, would apparently involve Benni McCarthy moving in the opposite direction.

McCarthy, who has only scored three goals for Rovers this season - one more than for Beattie at Stoke - is understood to be unsettled.

It has also been suggested Rovers have offered United States star Stuart Holden a four-year deal.

The midfielder, who currently plays for Houston Dynamo, is known to be eager to further his career, but that any move away has to be perfect ahead of next summer's World Cup finals.