Leeds United and Sheffield United are set to go head-to-head in the race to sign Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe this January, according to the Mirror (00:47).

The Yorkshire rivals are both currently pushing for promotion to the Premier League and Defoe is viewed as someone who could be the difference for both sides in that race.

Leeds currently sit top of the Championship table with 26 matches played, two points ahead of second-placed Norwich City and four ahead of the Blades who sit in third.

Cherries' manager Eddie Howe says he will discuss the striker's future soon.

“I will have to sit down with Jermain and have that conversation,” he said after Wednesday night's 3-3 draw with Watford.

“He is someone we hold in such high regard and has done such a great job here in many different ways.”

Marcelo Bielsa's need for the striker could increase even more should current top-scorer Kemar Roofe were to depart with Newcastle United continuing to lurk.

Chris Wilder is keen to add more firepower to his squad despite possessing the Championship's current top-scorer in Billy Sharp, who has 16 goals so far.

The verdict

I am not too sure of the attraction to Defoe if I am honest, particularly by these two clubs.

I cannot see Roofe leaving anytime soon and even if he does, they have Patrick Bamford who is more than reliable in the second tier.

Him arriving certainly would not be a bad thing, I am just not sure he is needed.