Barnsley are close to bringing back Birmingham City striker Garry O'Connor to Oakwell on another loan deal, reports BBC Sport. The 16-cap Scotland international went to Barnsley on emergency loan in September, scoring once in four games.

He then returned to Blues, since when he has got back in Alex McLeish's first team and played three matches - but the Tykes have made a bid to re-sign him.

"We hope to re-sign Garry on loan. We hope it can be done in the not too distant future," said boss Mark Robins.

"He has been with us this morning [Thursday]," he told the Barnsley club website. "He has a slight groin problem, so we are just waiting on that before completing the paperwork. But hopefully he will be back with us."