As we approach the second international break of the season, Chris Wilder will be starting to draw up a list of some January transfer targets to bolster Sheffield United's promotion push.

The Blades' recent assault on the automatic promotion places has recently hit a slump, having won just one of their last five league games, after their most recent result - a 0-0 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday.

The Yorkshire club have slipped out of the top two places, and now find themselves sitting in fourth position, just one point of the automatic promotion places with a trip to Rotherham on the horizon.

Now is the time for Wilder to start thinking about new signings however - players that will come in and make an immediate impact in different areas of the pitch, in order to make United a more resurgent, clinical outfit.

With that being said, here, we take a look at three January signings that could transform United's XI.

United have recently been linked with the ambitious loan signing of Jermain Defoe.

The AFC Bournemouth striker has found life tough on the South Coast this season, making just four appearances in the top flight for Eddie Howe's men this campaign.

A natural, clinical goalscorer, Defoe would add a touch of class to the Blades' front-line, that has struggled to find the back of the net in recent weeks.

United have also been linked with the signing of Sunderland's George Honeyman.

The 24-year-old has been at the heart of the Black Cats' success in League One thus far this season, and to be given the captaincy of such a big club at a relatively young age shows just highly regarded he is at the Stadium of Light.

Able to play as an attacking midfielder, he'd be an adequate replacement for the ageing Mark Duffy, and would be a real coup for Wilder's men.

Should a move for Defoe fail to materialise, then United need to make signing Shane Long a huge priority.

The Irishman has been frozen out at St. Mary's, making just nine appearances for the Saints after a frustrating ankle injury.

At 31 years-old, Long would again add real knowhow and quality to the Blades front-line, and it would be a huge coup to sign him even on loan.