Sheffield United may have received a boost in their quest to sign Jermain Defoe.
The Sun reported at the beginning of last month that the Blades were weighing up a move for Defoe. Manager Chris Wilder wants a new striker in January and the England international would certainly provide experience.
Defoe has scored 163 Premier League goals in 496 games for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Sunderland. However, the 36-year-old has played just 21 minutes of league action this season.
That is why Sky Sports reports Bournemouth are willing to allow Defoe to leave the club in January. Eddie Howe has admitted he just cannot give the veteran the game time he wants.
United are not the only side interested in Defoe, though, with a number of other Championship and Premier League teams also believed to be in the hunt.
(Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Do Sheffield United need Defoe?
Wilder made signing a new attacking midfielder and forward a priority in the New Year. Kieran Dowell has already arrived on loan from Everton to tick the first box.
Now Wilder will be looking to add a number nine to a forward line that have been in fine form over the festive period.
Captain Billy Sharp has scored four goals in the Blades’ last three matches to become the highest scorer in English league football this century. David McGoldrick has also netted three times during the same period.
However, Leon Clarke has struggled with fitness issues this term and Conor Washington is yet to get off the mark. If Wilder is serious about United mounting a promotion charge then more firepower is needed.
Defoe would provide that in abundance, although the Cherries would have to help out with his high wages.
The Sun reported when the attacker arrived from Sunderland in 2017 that he would earn £65,000-a-week. There is no chance that the Blades’ restricted finances would let them stretch to anywhere near that.
