ST JOHNSTONE striker Craig Beattie has been linked with a shock move to English League One side Notts County.
The 28-year-old has barely kicked a ball for Saints since signing in August, with the former Scotland player struggling for fitness due to a combination of illness and injury.
Despite that, he is believed to be on the radar of County boss Keith Curle, who is looking to reinforce his striking options after Lee Hughes left to join Port Vale.
Curle is a long-time admirer of Beattie and offered him a deal during the summer but the player opted to sign at McDiarmid.
Saints boss Steve Lomas has plenty of forward options with Gregory Tade, Rowan Vine, Steven MacLean and Nigel Hasselbaink, as well as Beattie, all vying for places.
It is understood the Perth club would not be difficult to deal with if County came calling with an offer for the striker.
Meanwhile, Lomas has been replaced as favourite with the bookies in the race to become the new Doncaster Rovers boss.
The Northern Irishman had emerged as a surprise front-runner to take over at the League One side at the start of this week.
However, Coventry City boss Mark Robins has now been installed as a short-odds favourite to replace Dean Saunders at the Keepmoat Stadium.