Everton sign Beattie for £6m

Last updated : 03 January 2005 By Austin Rathe
The move comes after Beattie snubbed a move to mid-table Aston Villa, prefering instead the possibility of European Football with Everton.

Beattie arrived at Everton's training ground this morning at 9am sharp, accompanied by his agent and also his Father. He will undergo a medical this morning, to be followed by a press conference at 12:30pm.

The deal breaks Everton's previous transfer record of £5.75m paid for Nick Barmby.

A club statement read: "James Beattie is poised to become Everton's record signing after agreeing personal terms on a move to Goodison Park.

"The 26-year old has decided that his future lies on Merseyside and he looks set to put pen-to-paper within the next couple of days."

Beattie, who is from the Lancashire area and began his career at Blackburn, has scored 76 goals for Southampton in 233 appearances.