No agreement can be reached between Barnsley and West Bromwich Albion over the future of Luke Steele which means the third choice Baggies goalkeeper is likely to miss playing in the biggest game of his career.

The former Manchester United trainee has been integral to the Tykes' success since joining them last month, playing superbly in the victories over Liverpool and Chelsea.

Those two results have set up an FA Cup semi-final against Cardiff City at Wembley on April 6 but, with his initial loan deal now expired, talks over extending it have reached a stalemate.

The matter of who will pay the player's wages during any extended loan period is the main stumbling block. Albion have been subsidising Steele's £5,000-per-week wages since he has been at Oakwell.

They have offered Barnsley the player on loan for the rest of the season - and on a free transfer in the summer - but the Baggies are insisting that the Yorkshire club pays all of his wages.

Tony Mowbray said: "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.

"We think it is a good deal for Barnsley and I find it difficult to understand where they are coming from."