Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is understood to have earmarked Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford as the man to fire his side to Premier League safety this season.

And the former Republic of Ireland boss is ready to swoop for the 25-year-old hitman when the transfer window re-opens next month, according to The Sun.

McCarthy wants to boost the firepower at Molineux after watching his side notch just 12 goals in 14 top-flight outings this season, with record £6million summer signing Kevin Doyle failing to catch fire (not literally of course) for the club so far.

Beckford, who arrived at Elland Road in a £45,000 switch from non-league Wealdstone three years ago, has grabbed a staggering 67 goals in 118 games for the League One table-toppers.

His 12 goals so far this season have been instrumental in helping the Whites to open up a six point gap on second place Charlton Athletic in the race for promotion to the Championship.

Leeds boss Simon Grayson is desperate to hang on to his top striker - at least until the end of the season when Beckford's deal expires.

But McCarthy is believed to be ready to test his resolve with a player-plus-cash offer in the New Year, which would see Wales international hitman Sam Vokes move to the Yorkshire outfit as part of the deal.