Albion to sell cup star

Albion keeper Luke Steele's future should be decided today as a permanent move to Barnsley hung in the balance.

Steele has emerged as the Tykes' FA Cup hero on loan from the Baggies, but his spell at Oakwell ends today.

Talks are ongoing aimed at Steele extending his stay to south Yorkshire until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move in the summer.

That would mean he wouldn't be able to play against the Baggies if the clubs reached the FA Cup final.

"His loan's up today and he's still in negotiations," said Albion boss Tony Mowbray.

"He's under contract for another year and we're offering Barnsley the chance to take him on a permanent deal on a free but there's a hold-up.

"There's a little game going on with the agent and the clubs.

"We've been subsidising Luke's wages quite considerably but I don't know what wages structure they've got.

"But I think there's a very good deal on the table for him.

"I've read about the money they've made from the Cup run and the deal makes good sense.

"We think it's a good deal for Barnsley but they're stumbling at the moment. I find it difficult to understand where they're coming from."

Mowbray has sympathy with Steele, adding: "We're trying to help the boy's career. The sad thing is the boy's in the middle of it all.

"I had a long chat with him last night and we're trying to do the best for the player."

Mowbray is convinced Barnsley are getting a good deal as the player's value has soared during their Cup run as they have toppled Liverpool and Chelsea.

"The boy has got a value now – he's kept clean sheets and done very well," he said.