Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has categorically denied having any interest for Stoke's out-of-favour striker James Beattie. McCarthy has been strongly linked with a bid for Beattie, who has fallen out of favour with Stoke manager Tony Pulis.

But the former Republic of Ireland boss claimed: "There have been no discussions at all about James Beattie. There have been no discussions with Beattie and none between Wolves and Stoke about him.

"Of course, when we read about the fall-out we all said 'I wonder what has happened there' but there have been no discussions and I didn't make an inquiry.

"I was amused the other day when I saw the story spreading. I was agog at it all. Maybe someone should have checked with me but the story just kept running."