Sheffield United have been linked with a shock move for Bournemouth's former England international Jermain Defoe.

The 36-year-old has been restricted to a handful of appearances from the bench for the Cherries this season and is likely to move on in the January window..

He's had a fine career at West Ham, Spurs and Sunderland to name but a few, as well as scoring 20 goals for England in 57 appearances. He was always known for his natural finishing ability, as well as blistering pace and willingness to get in behind.

With his advancing years comes a change of approach, using clever positioning to combat his loss of pace, but he's still there on the main stage doing his thing. A move to Sheffield United would be a drop to a level his last graced in 2004 with West Ham, but is it inevitable he trickles down the divisions?

Would it be a wise move by the Blades to take a chance on him? Our Football League experts discuss.

Jacob Potter

His wages wouldn't be worth the risk.

There is no doubting that Defoe would be an excellent signing at Championship level but he would surely be commanding high wages which if the Blades weren't to win promotion, then they could suffer financially.

He simply wouldn't be worth the risk even though he has the ability to be playing at a higher level than the Championship.

Alfie Burns

It’d be a great signing, but I just can’t see Defoe stepping into the Championship, especially to Sheffield United.

The striker would want a big wage, and honestly, I can’t see the Yorkshire club stumping that up for a player like Defoe.

Wilder’s focus should be elsewhere.

Louie Chandler

This'd be one hell of a statement.

Wilder is not exactly in desperate need of a new striker but if he is able to get somebody of Defoe's quality then he would be daft to say no.

It could be the signing that pushes them into the top-flight.

Gary Hutchinson

I think my colleagues here are missing a salient point, this isn't a 27-year old Defoe. He's 36.

Surely, this wouldn't be a coup, would it? Unless they are focusing on his experience on the training pitch.

Maybe I'm missing something, but for me bringing in Defoe purely as a player would be foolish.

He would command big wages, he's not scored regularly for a couple of seasons and let's be honest, he is well past his sell by date.

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