The Mirror's transfer live blog today (00:47) suggests that Leeds United are going to chase a possible short-term deal for Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe.

The 36-year-old has seen his chances limited at Dean Court and there's every chance his second spell on the South Coast could be coming to an end. That has put a number of clubs on high alert, with Leeds one of the bigger names thought to be in the hunt.

Defoe has had a grand career, spanning seven different clubs including Spurs and West Ham. He won 57 England caps and scored 20 times for his country, but with his career winding down it looks likely he'll drop into the Championship, if anyone can afford him.

Leeds United look to be on course for promotion to the Premier League and that will be one factor they'll consider when moving for a striker. Is Jermain Defoe one for the future, or should they be considering an alternative?

If they are, we think they could do with looking at these three players instead.

The 31-year old falls into a similar bracket to Defoe, top-flight experience and international honours, but he's younger and might offer more going into next season.

He's appeared 82 times for Ireland, scoring 17 and would be a would be a viable alternative to the former England man.

There's no need to go for a proven striker in the top flight, there's gold to be found by looking down and not up.

Marquis is already based in Yorkshire and is scoring goals for fun at Doncaster. He's got to be worth a go for someone and he'd be far less costly than Defoe.

If Leeds can afford big wages for Defoe, they can surely remodel that outlay and go for a big fee for Bowen.

He's an exciting talent who has surely outgrown Hull City. Of the three options we've suggested, he's got to be the one who would get pulses racing.

Plan for the long term future, not just the short term.