Barnsley boss Mark Robins is chasing Stoke City striker James Beattie.

The Sunday Mirror says Robins has been given the finance to take the far-travelled forward for the season and hopes to get permission to speak to him about the move shortly.

Beattie was a big hit in the Championship with local rivals Sheffield United before going back to the top flight with the Potters and Robins thinks he could spark a promotion push.

The Oakwell outfit have money for a 'star' signing and are relying on Stoke being unable to find a buyer for Beattie who has been in dispute with manager Tony Pulis since a dressing room spat.