Stoke City are battling Hull City for Burnley striker Charlie Austin.
The Daily Star says Premier League new boys Hull have led the chase to sign the prolific £5m-rated striker all summer.
But their failure to tie up a deal, despite being in talks for weeks, has left the door open for Austin's other suitors.
New Potters boss Mark Hughes is a fan of the 23-year-old former bricklayer. Austin is also on Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio's list of striker targets.