No Beat In Barnsley

Mark Robins has moved to deny reports that he is targeting Stoke City striker James Beattie for a move to Oakwell this summer.

The Daily Mirror reported that the Reds boss had contacted Stoke City manager Tony Pulis with a view to a possible loan move for the 32-year-old striker, but Robins has told the Star that Beattie is "not on his list." The Daily Mirror said:

Ambitious Barnsley boss Mark Robins is trying to sign James Beattie on loan from Stoke City to end the striker`s on-going feud with Tony Pulis. Robins has been given the finance to take the forward.'

This is hard to believe. If we have the finance to make a considerable contribution to a Premier League strikers` wages, would we have said that we wouldn`t compromise the future of the club to keep Bogdanovic?

It continued, "Barnsley have money for a 'star` signing and are relying on Stoke boss Pulis being unable to find a buyer for Beattie."

Where have we got the money from for a star signing? We`ve released seven players on free transfers and sold nobody since Jamal Campbell-Ryce went to Bristol City in January for a cut price.

Robins dismissed the report speaking to the Star: 'That one's really come out of the blue! I'm always interested in quality players, but that one's pure speculation. I've not tried to get him."

So the hunt for a striker goes on. Following the impending exits of Jon Macken and Daniel Bogdanovic, Robins is searching far and wide to add to his two remaining senior strikers Andy Gray and Iain Hume, but a move for the former Everton, Sheffield United and Southampton man, Beattie, is not on the cards.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.