Have Sheffield United been handed a boost in the hunt for new striker in January?

In recent weeks the Blades have been linked with ambitious moves for Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe and Southampton forward Shane Long, and it looks like Defoe could be open to a move to the Championship.

The 36-year-old has been limited to just four appearances for the Cherries so far this season, with Eddie Howe's side flying high in the Premier League.

With the veteran forward sidelined, a number of clubs including Nottingham Forest, Wigan and Premier League Crystal Palace are said to be looking at the former England international as a potential January recruit.

Sheffield United: '˜This guy can go on to make 400 appearances for us'

And it seems that Defoe could be open to a move away from the south coast after failing to register a goal in his seven league and cup appearances this season.

Defoe told The Mirror:  'We'll see what happens. At the end of the day I'm a footballer and I like playing football.

"I'm not playing football at the minute so we'll see what happens.'

Ex-Tottenham man Defoe is under contract at the Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2020, after signing a three-year deal with the club after joining from Sunderland last year.