Backing for Luke Steele in Wembley bid

Mar 20 2008 By Chris Lepkowski

ALBION players have been busy keeping Luke Steele's mind off his transfer saga, according to Robert Koren.

The Baggies third-choice goalkeeper will facel FA Cup heartbreak if his loan move back to semi-finalists Barnsley, and subsequent summer permanent free transfer, fails to materialise.

Koren has no shortage of sympathy for his team-mate.

"It's a difficult moment for Luke," said Koren.

"He joined Barnsley because he wanted to play games and he played two games in the cup that took them to Wembley.

"Of course he wants to stay there now and play at Wembley.

"I'm hoping the clubs will agree everything and he will get his move because that's the most important thing.

"In training we are all helping him and joking with him."

The good news for Steele is that the move could be back on. Barnsley chairman, Gordon Shepherd, dropped the biggest hint yet talks were progressing.

"We have not given up on signing Luke," he said.

"The managers are talking, the deal is not dead."