Former Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell training with Premier League Sheffield United

The 28-year-old has been without a club since he left Championship side Blackburn in the summer, and the England international recently failed in a bid to persuade Italian giants Roma to offer him a short-term contract.

But he is now training with Chris Wilder’s Blades at Shirecliffe, and could be offered a deal if he impresses sufficiently. Rodwell could also offer cover to Chris Basham’s right centre-half position, as well as his natural midfield role.

Rodwell began his career at Everton before a big-money move to Manchester City, although injury problems have disrupted his career. He later joined Sunderland for around £10million before leaving the Stadium of Light in 2018.

At his pre-match press conference this morning, Wilder said: "There's still a lot of football to be played and the league is intense, as we've seen. So it’ll take its toll on the group.”