Jack Rodwell is currently training with Sheffield United as he searches for a new club, reports the Telegraph.
The midfielder is yet to join a new team since leaving Blackburn Rovers in the summer. Rodwell has since gone on trial with Roma and trained with Parma.
Yet neither side decided to sign the 28-year-old. However, the Sun claims that Roma boss Paulo Fonseca did recommend Rodwell to other clubs after being impressed during his time in the Italian capital.
The Blades do face competition for the signature of the England international. Serie A duo Sassuolo and Torino are interested, along with Panithinaikos.
What do Sheffield United want from Rodwell?
If United do offer Rodwell a contract then they reportedly have a new plan in mind for the former Everton and Manchester City man.
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Although generally considered a midfield player, Chris Wilder wants to use him in defence. Apparently his ability on the ball makes Rodwell the ideal option to use at centre back.
Wilder certainly likes his defensive players to be comfortable in possession. Much has already been made this season of the overlapping centre back tactic the 52-year-old employs.
When his team have the ball, Wilder likes the flanking central defenders to join the attack. This often means Chris Basham or Jack O’Connell charge forwards, while John Egan remains at the back.
This system proved hugely successful in the Championship, although has been tempered since the Blades were promoted to the Premier League.
After coming back into the top flight, Wilder has also tweaked his formation to drop the number ten and play a 3-5-2. Rodwell is ideally suited to operating as one of the three central midfielders as well.
Not many United fans would probably be excited by the prospect of signing the free agent. However, Wilder has proven himself in this regard before and is generally astute in the transfer market.