Jermain Defoe has given a boost to Sheffield United in their pursuit to sign the striker.
According to the Sun the Blades are interested in landing Defoe on a loan deal in the January transfer window.
The Bournemouth forward has played just 22 minutes of Premier League football this season. He’s now open to a move.
“We’ll see what happens. At the end of the day I’m a footballer and I like playing football,” Defoe told the Mirror (Transfer Live blog, 22:27, Friday, December 7, 2018). “I’m not playing football at the minute so we’ll see what happens.”
Defoe loan?
This news arrives as Chris Wilder confirms United will not be able to sign players permanently in the New Year. The manager has already submitted his recommendations to the board.
MORE UNITED STORIES
“We’ll be looking at loans but it’s important to get the right ones in, with the right quality and mentality,” Wilder told the Sheffield Star.
“I’ve spoken to the owners and I’m working with the budget I’ve been given. Any manager would always want more but it is what it is, and we’ll get the most out of it in our way. I’ll get the maximum out of it, as I’ve always tried to do.”
Wilder has made signing a new striker a priority in January. The 51-year-old also has his eye on bringing in an attacking midfielder as well.
With Wilder having Premier League ambitions for the Blades it would make sense to sign a stalwart from the division.
Defoe’s experience and proven goal scoring abilities could be the difference in United getting promoted this season.
Unfortunately they could face competition for the England international. The Sun claims that Crystal Palace are also showing interest in Defoe.
In the Championship, both Nottingham Forest and Wigan Athletic are keeping tabs on the 36-year-old as well.