Leeds United and Sheffield United are the two clubs considering a move for Jermain Defoe.
That is according to the Mirror, who outline the interest in their live transfer blog (12.47am).
Bournemouth are willing to let Defoe leave during the January transfer window having struggled for game time this season.
The striker has played just 21 minutes of Premier League football in 2018/19 and a loan exit from the Vitality Stadium is likely.
“I will have to sit down with Jermain and have that conversation,” said Cherries manager Eddie Howe.
Why have Leeds joined the race?
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Apparently the Whites are eyeing up a move for Defoe if they lose Kemar Roofe this month. Roofe is reportedly a target for Newcastle United.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men currently sit top of the Championship table and therefore might prove to be an attractive prospect for Defoe.
As for the Blades, their own interest was reported as far back as December 1. The Sun claims that Chris Wilder is targeting Defoe to help United’s promotion push.
However, Bournemouth would have to help pay the 36-year-old’s wages if he were to move to Bramall Lane.
That’s because another report from the Sun claims that Defoe earns around £65,000-a-week with the Cherries. That figure is way beyond the Blades’ finances.
Wilder is targeting two or three loan signings in January. One has already arrived in Everton attacking midfielder Kieran Dowell.
The other position the United boss has prioritised is upfront. Defoe would certainly be something of a coup considering his impressive record.
In a senior career that stretches back to 1999, the forward has scored 242 club goals in all competitions. He has also netted 20 times for England.
Despite his age Defoe has kept himself in great shape and his experience could prove crucial to any team trying to get promoted to the top flight.