Wolves target Stoke striker Beattie

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Stoke striker James Beattie is among Wolves boss Mick McCarthy's potential targets during the January transfer window.

Beattie is understood to be interesting McCarthy, as is Hull midfielder Stephen Hunt.

However sources close to Wolves have played down reports that 31-year-old Beattie has already held talks with the club about a transfer.

Stoke are also not aware of a possible approach from Wolves, with manager Tony Pulis telling The Sentinel: "I would expect Mick to ring me if they were interested, and he hasn't."

Wolves have the worst scoring record in the top flight with just 17 goals this season.

And Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, who netted 25 times last season, has still to notch a top-flight goal in open play during the current campaign.

Beattie's days at the Britannia Stadium appear to be numbered after a much publicised spat with Tony Pulis.

He has been confined predominantly to a substitute's role in recent weeks.

McCarthy has indicated he would be happy with the fire-power at his disposal should he fail to sign a new forward.

In addition to Kevin Doyle and Ebanks-Blake, he has Chris Iwelumo available after injury, with Stefan Maierhofer also close to fitness.