Former Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate could be handed a return to football by managerless Sheffield United.

The Daily Mail says Sean O'Driscoll, Southgate and Micky Adams are the frontrunners for the managerial vacancy at Sheffield United.

Southgate, out of work since being sacked by Middlesbrough, is a close friend of United chairman Kevin McCabe but could be considered too expensive, given the financial constraints at Bramall Lane.

Lifelong Blades fan Adams, who has again delivered results on a shoestring budget at Port Vale, is also in the frame for the post vacated by new Wales boss Gary Speed.

O'Driscoll is a serious contender after proving his worth at Doncaster.

A £1million compensation demand could prove a stumbling block, but O'Driscoll said: "If I felt it was the right opportunity, I would have to consider it."