The takeover by David Gold and David Sullivan has given Gianfranco Zola cash to spend this month, and he aims to bring in at least one top striker.

Eidur Gudjohnsen, his former Chelsea team-mate, is said to be his top choice, and the Monaco man could join on loan for the rest of the season.

And the Sun claim Stoke City’s Beattie is an alternative to Blackburn Rovers ace Benni McCarthy, who has been linked with a £2.5million switch.

The former Sheffield United man only moved to the Britannia Stadium twelve months ago, and he played a key role in keeping Stoke in the top-flight.

His form hasn’t been matched this term, though, and after falling out with Pulis last month, he could be available for around £3million.