SOUTHAMPTON striker Billy Sharp set tongues wagging by tweeting a picture of him shaking hands with James Beattie over a deal to join Accrington Stanley – but the Reds laughed off his claims that a loan move had been arranged.

New Stanley boss Beattie is currently on holiday in Las Vegas and met up at a casino with friend Sharp as well as agent James Featherstone, who represents the pair.

Sharp tweeted a late night picture of the three together as he shook hands with Beattie, along with the message ‘Delighted 2 announce season long loan 2 @asfcofficial and to work 4 my mate @1jamesbeattie deal done by @jlfomnisports’.

The 27-year-old currently plays for Southampton, with Beattie having a home in the area. But Sharp’s reported £20,000 a week wages would be far in excess of what Stanley could afford.

The former Doncaster Rovers, Sheffield United and Scunthorpe striker spent the 2012/13 campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest and knows Beattie from their time together at Sheffield United.

Stanley managing director Rob Heys’ hopes of a peaceful bank holiday were ended when he was inundated with queries about Sharp’s tweet – the content of which was news to him. “I didn’t want a day off!” he laughed.

“James went on holiday to Florida after he was appointed as manager and he’s gone on to have a few days in Vegas. It looks like he has met Billy at a hotel there.

“But there has certainly been no contact between the two clubs and there would have to be for anything to happen.

“It’s fair to say his parent club would have to pay the majority of his wages for a move like that to happen.”

Stanley are still attempting to tie a number of their current squad to new deals, including former England international Francis Jeffers.

“Even though James has been away we’ve been speaking on the phone every day,” Heys said.

“It’s a hard working role at Accrington and he has certainly been doing that.

“We’ve been speaking to every player apart from the three we announced we wouldn’t be offering a contract to, and Francis Jeffers is one of those we have been speaking to.

“James will be looking to bring some players in as well. I think it can be a very good season for us, it’s exciting times.”