James Beattie could be heading back to Blackburn Rovers Football Club.

The striker started his playing days at Ewood Park, although he failed to make an impression and was sold to Southampton in 1998 where his career took off.

Moves to Everton and Sheffield United followed, and last January he moved to Stoke City where he scored the goals to keep the club in the Premier League.

However, Beattie has fallen out of favour and had a bust-up with Tony Pulis this season, sparking widespread speculation he is available for transfer this winter.

Sam Allardyce is reportedly keen to take the 31-year-old back to Lancashire, and will ask his board for the cash to strike a deal for the player before Monday’s deadline.

Get all the latest news on your club. Visit 360 Football, the best football news aggregator on the web!