Barnsley want to take Ashley Ward back to Oakwell.

And they may use burly striker Bruce Dyer as bait to tempt City into a deal.

Barnsley have been long-time admirers of Ward, who played for them for 15 months before joining Blackburn in December 1998.

They have maintained an interest since the summer and Ward has whetted their appetite by scoring four times in the two games between the clubs this season, including two late goals in the 3-3 draw at Oakwell a fortnight ago.

Sources in South Yorkshire claim Barnsley hope to entice City into doing business by offering former Crystal Palace hitman Dyer as a straight swap.

Ward, 31, has scored 15 goals in 54 games for City but missed three months of the current campaign with an injured ankle.

City completed one signing last night when they snapped up goalkeeper Alan Combe on a short-term contract from Dundee United.

The 27-year-old has not played a first team game at Tannadice since December 2000 but boss Nicky Law says he comes recommended.

He said: "I saw him play in a pre-season friendly and I've had a lot of good reports about him.

"I had hoped Gary Walsh would be ready for the weekend but he's still feeling some pain and we can't risk it.

"He might even be struggling for the Birmingham game next Sunday and with Aidan Davison out long-term we had to bring someone in."

Carl Muggleton's month ran out on Wednesday and rather than using up another loan - City have four left - Law decided to make a deal until the end of the season.

Combe goes straight in at Blundell Park and there could also be a first league start since May for Jamie Lawrence, who has attracted interest from Birmingham.

But all eyes will be on Carbone, who is likely to be on the bench following his midweek storm.

Law said: "The best response would be for him to go out and show everybody that I was wrong not to pick him for the team.

"I hope he does - and does it for the next 12 games. I hope he's man of the match every game and scores three goals each time.

"Then I will hold my hands up and gladly, openly admit that I was wrong. We all get disappointments in life, it's how you respond to them."