Chris Wilder's Sheffield United have been linked with a sensational swoop for former England striker Jermain Defoe.

The Blades have seen their automatic promotion hopes fade in recent weeks with some less than impressive displays, but Wilder is hoping to turn things around by bringing in the former West Ham and Spurs star this transfer window.

There's plenty of positives off the pitch, he's an experienced boy and a natural goal scorer, but in the midst of a bona fide battle for a Premier League spot, a swoop for a 36-year old might not be the best thing for the Bramall Lane outfit.

With 682 senior games and 273 goals, there's little doubt that Defoe has been a wonderful professional and a player with much to admire over his long career.

But, is he the man Sheffield United need to lift them into the top two? Here are three reasons FLW don't believe he is.

Experience is all well and good, but do Sheffield United need any more of it?

Three of their strikers are 30 or over, there's plenty of knowledge floating around the squad.

There's a line between having experience and being an aged squad.

They need pace, life and energy up front and ten years ago that might have been Defoe.

At 36 he's not going to have the same drive as a younger player looking to make a mark and that is where the Blades are lacking up front.

Wages have to be a concern, Defoe wouldn't be a cheap option and Wilder has to consider the rest of his squad.

Would he be wise throwing large sums of money at Defoe, or spreading it more evenly around the side with some clever L1 acquisitions?