Sheffield United succumbed to only their sixth defeat of the campaign at the weekend after a disappointing 1-0 home loss to promotion rivals Leeds United.

The Blades were looking to secure only their third win in their last eight league games with a home clash against their Yorkshire counterparts, but it was the visitors who departed Bramall Lane with all three points, thanks to Pablo Hernandez's late strike.

The result leaves United sitting in 6th position in the Sky Bet Championship standings, and sit just inside off the playoff places on goal difference ahead of Frank Lampard's Derby County.

As we approach the halfway point of the campaign, Blades boss Chris Wilder can look back on the season so far as a successful one thus far - they have adjusted to life in the second tier incredibly well following their promotion from League One a couple of years back, and they do look like a very solid unit despite their weekend defeat.

Perhaps the only thing they have been lacking this season is cutting edge - the Blades have wasted so many chances that on another day, could have secured a win to push them up the table.

Here, we take a look at three Premier League stars, that would add experience and a touch of class to Sheffield United in January...

One name that the Blades have been linked with is AFC Bournemouth forward Jermain Defoe.

The 36-year old needs no introduction - he has been a renowned goalscorer over the years, scoring 273 goals in 682 career appearances.

His experience and knowhow would be invaluable to the Blades going forward, and it'd be a huge coup if Wilder was to land him.

Another player that the Blades have been linked with is Southampton forward Shane Long - the Irishman has been frozen out at St. Mary's making just five starts all season.

The 31-year old, despite having scored just two goals since the turn of the year, has been a clinical finisher in the Championship as well as the top flight over the years, and just like Defoe, his experience could be beneficial in Blades' push for promotion.

This would be another smart move if it comes off.

Another player who could a touch of class to the Blades squad is Crystal Palace's Jason Puncheon.

The 32-year-old is yet to make a start in the league for the Eagles this term and has had to settle for a couple of appearances in the Carabao Cup here and there.

The playmaker could be a very useful player for Wilder's men - he'd be able to add competition to Mark Duffy in the number 10 role in Wilder's preferred 5-2-1-2 system, and is something that he should be exploring.