The Rumour Mill - Day 5

Last updated : 05 January 2009 By Jamie Furniss
James Beattie scores
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Former Everton forward James Beattie has been linked with Premier League clubs Hull City and Fulham. It seems to be that the prolific goalscorer is always linked with top flight clubs when the window opens. £6m is the price banded around this time.
Veteran midfielder Gary Speed could be the new manager of Derby County. The all time top Premiership appearance maker recently passed his coaching badges and has been doing some coaching with Blackwell on the touchlines on matchdays in United's fixtures.

But the recent departure of Paul Jewell at Pride Park could lead to the former Leeds, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton midfielder to be appointed the new manager of the Rams. Official interest was made last month from Swindon Town but United rejected their offer.
Former Sheffield United assistant boss and current Bradford City manager Stuart McCall is trying his best to extend Blades' midfielder Nicky Law's contract at Valley Parade.

McCall said: "Sheffield United have been fantastic with us regarding the amount of money we are paying Nicky. To keep him, I think we will have to pay a little bit more but I'm sure we can come to an agreement.

"No disrespect to Nicky, who is doing ever so well for us, but I don't think he'd go back in their team. He got called back last year and never had a game.

"Sheffield United are going well at the moment and Nicky is enjoying his football here, so it suits everyone."