Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe has confirmed they've made an offer for Aston Villa defender Gary Cahill - and were beaten by Sunderland for former Manchester United fullback Phil Bardsley.

"We offered what we thought were good terms for Cahill and likewise for Bardsley," he told the club's official website.

"We thought he (Bardsley) would be joining but he switched and joined Sunderland - it wasn't for the want of trying.

"We have a desire to strengthen in January and have already made three good signings. There may be a couple more ins and outs before the end of the month."