Sheffield United are interested in signing West Bromwich Albion striker Jay Rodriguez, reports the Mirror.

This comes shortly after Sheffield United News speculated the Blades should join the chase for Rodriguez.

It followed the Telegraph revealing that the 29-year-old has a £5m release clause. Apparently Bournemouth, Burnley and Leicester City have all shown early interest.

The Clarets made offers up to £16m last summer to try and bring Rodriguez back to Turf Moor. Yet the forward agreed to remain with the Baggies for a year to try and get them promoted back to the Premier League.

West Brom rewarded Rodriguez for his loyalty with this release clause, meaning he could leave for just £5m if they failed to go up. They lost to Aston Villa in the playoffs.

This latest report from the Mirror says that the Blades are now attracted by the deal. They have around a £20m budget this window after earning promotion from the Championship.

Manager Chris Wilder wants to sign at least one new attacker, with Brentford’s Neal Maupay and Oli McBurnie of Swansea City on his initial list of targets.

However, they are set to cost £20m and £12m respectively. Wilder does not want to spend such a large proportion of his budget on one player.

Why Sheffield United need Jay Rodriguez

(Photo by Adam Fradgley – AMA/Getty Images)

The Mirror also contradicts the Telegraph as they say Burnley are no longer interested in Rodriguez. Apparently Sean Dyche is happy with the form of Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood and doesn’t want any new strikers.

Rodriguez is said to want to return to the top flight, so where does he go?

It would be surprising if the Cherries were in the market for new forwards as well. Last term Callum Wilson netted 14 league goals, while Josh King scored 12.

As for Leicester, they may need support upfront with Shinji Okazaki leaving. Yet, in truth, they should probably be aiming higher than Rodriguez.

The Blades, meanwhile, only have David McGoldrick and Billy Sharp as senior attackers on the books currently. Landing someone like Rodriguez, with his top flight experience, could be exactly what they need.

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