West Brom are poised to recall FA Cup hero Luke Steele from Barnsley unless the Yorkshire club agree to sign the goalkeeper on a free transfer.Steele has been on loan to the Tykes and played a major role in their shock triumphs over Liverpool and Chelsea which have set up a semi-final clash with Cardiff at Wembley on April 6.

The initial month's loan ran out on Friday but Albion were prepared to allow Steel to remain at Oakwell if they agreed to sign him on a permanent basis.

The Baggies are asking no fee even though Tony Mowbray admits Steele is now a saleable asset after his cup heroics, but Barnsley are stalling on making any decision.

Mowbray said: "We are still in negotiations with Barnsley. We have come to the last day of his loan and we are hoping it can be resolved. "We are happy for Luke to stay at Barnsley and hopefully both clubs can come to an agreement for the benefit of the player. But at this moment there is a slight problem. Let's wait and see if it can be resolved.

"We are happy to let Luke go. We have two keepers at the club and it has been intimated to Barnsley that they can take Luke on a free transfer. We think it is a pretty attractive deal that we are offering them.

"Luke probably has a transfer value now after doing well in some high profile games but we are not asking Barnsley for a fee. We are just trying to help the boy's career.

"Luke was Barnsley's choice to bring in and he has done exceptionally well. It is a sad situation.

"We think it is a good deal for Barnsley and I find it difficult to understand where they are coming from as regards a player who has done very well for them.

Mowbray added: "Will Luke come back to Albion if Barnsley don't take him on a free transfer? That will be the case. I think that would be a shame for the boy and it is sad for Luke that he is stuck in the middle

"I have had many conversations with Luke and he has got to the stage of his career where he wants to play football. If he comes back here, he will be third choice keeper.

"It will be strange if Luke has to watch the cup semi-final after what he has done or is even playing somewhere else.

"I am sure there would be several clubs interested in the summer and, I repeat, the offer is there now for Barnsley to take him for nothing."

Albion have also been subsidising Steele's wages during his spell with the Championship club because of the South Yorkshire club's financial position but that has improved with their cup exploits.

Mowbray said: "We have been subsidising Luke's wages quite considerably at Barnsley but I have read about the money they have made from the cup - and Luke has played a big part in that."

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