Sheffield United face competition from Crystal Palace if they want to sign Jermain Defoe.
That is according to the Sun, who claim that Roy Hodgson is considering a January move for the Bournemouth striker.
The Blades are also interested in Defoe, along with fellow Championship sides Nottingham Forest and Wigan Athletic.
Hodgson wants more support upfront, having been playing Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend there this term. However, the Eagles manager has limited funds, which is why he favours a loan move for Defoe.
The 36-year-old would also consider a switch having played just 22 minutes of Premier League football this season.
Pros and cons of Defoe
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Aside from top scorer Billy Sharp, the Blades have struggled for consistency in attack in 2018/19. Sharp has 11 goals, but Leon Clarke, David McGoldrick and Conor Washington only have seven strikes between them.
Wilder’s men are currently third in the table, but more firepower is needed if they want to be promoted.
Defoe can certainly provide that with 163 Premier League goals during his career. There’s no reason to think the England international wouldn’t be a success in the Championship.
Despite his age Defoe is in good physical shape and his fitness levels are high. He could be the difference in getting United promoted.
Unfortunately, aside from the lure of staying in the top flight, Defoe’s wages could also prove to be a stumbling block. The forward currently earns around £65,000-a-week with the Cherries.
That is far beyond the Blades’ budget and they would need Bournemouth to help them out. Whether Palace are in the same position is doubtful. After all, they have Premier League TV money to fall back on.