Mick eyes up Stoke striker

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy admits signing a striker is now a priority as well as a left winger this month and £3m James Beattie is on his radar.

Former England international Beattie has failed to start Stoke's last two games and has scored just twice this season.

McCarthy wants to address the club's billing as the Premier League's lowest scorers with just 17 in 21 games, and Beattie scored seven in 16 games to inspire the Potteries club to seven wins and safety last season.

The Wolves boss is looking for someone to have the same impact as the one-time Everton and Southampton man made at Stoke after moving from Sheffield United this time last season.

With Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford withdrawing his transfer request after Newcastle had a fourth bid of £2m rejected, McCarthy admits signing a marksman is now a priority.

After Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Wigan, he said: "It is and we're looking for players - we should have scored from the last corner.

"I've got four strikers. But we're looking for someone and if we get someone, then fine."

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake remains without a goal in open play this season, and missed a golden chance with the game goalless on Saturday.

McCarthy said: "He's just having one of those periods. But he's working his socks off."

The club have also refuted weekend reports suggesting a record-equalling £6.5m bid for out-of-contract 22-year-old Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson.