Ex-England star says Leeds United should consider signing Sheffield United's Billy Sharp

The striker’s future has been subject of speculation in recent weeks due to a lack of game time in United’s first season back in the Premier League after a 12-year absence.

He has made only one league start and ex-defender-turned pundit Mills believes 33-year-old Sharp could be the man to help fire Leeds to promotion to the top flight.

“That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Someone that can put the ball into the back of the net, it’s invaluable,” said Mills, speaking to Football Insider.

“If you can get a player that’s maybe being on the bench or maybe not getting too many chances at first-team level in the Premier League, and wants a little bit of football, wants a chance to prove himself, that’s what they’ve got to go for.

“That’s what they have to get, if it’s a loan until the end of the season and they have to pay biggish wages, I think that’s a gamble worth taking.”

Sharp, who has scored 114 times in 322 Championship appearances, has reportedly snubbed moves to former club Nottingham Forest and Celtic.

But speaking last week to The Star, United boss Chris Wilder insisted Sharp had not asked for a move.

“Billy’s a fantastic player, he doesn’t want to go anywhere and I don’t want him to go anywhere,” he said.