Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell could sign Stoke defender Andrew Davies on a permanent basis in January. Davies has recently completed a three-month loan spell at Bramall Lane and made eight appearances for the Championship club.

"Andrew is someone we might look at," said Blackwell in the Sheffield Star. "I wouldn't rule anything out.

"When he was here he showed tenacity and a passion to play.

"You can spend a couple of million on someone and then realise they've not got that."