Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is ready to offer £6 million for Sheffield United striker James Beattie.

Pulis is desperate to bring in another hitman to boost the Potters' survival bid and the 12-goal Sheffield United star, 30, is his top target.

Dave Kitson has flopped since his £5.5m summer switch from Reading and has yet to score, while Mamady Sidibe is out with a knee injury.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell said: "Stoke have made an inquiry for James and I've left it with my board."