Sheffield United have long been linked with a move for the 22-year-old.

Sheffield United may have been handed their strongest signal yet that a rumoured Blades target could be heading to Bramall Lane in the near future.

United’s deadline day move for Fleetwood Town striker Devante Cole – the details of which were made public via a Bleacher Report documentary – fell through at the final minute.

But with 12 goals in 30 games this season, it is unlikely the Blades’ interest will have faded.

Indeed, the Sun reported last month that Sheffield United remain keen on a move for Cole – whose manager Uwe Rosler told the Blackpool Gazette last week he believes the player is ‘definitely on the radar of some clubs’.

And Rosler has wasted little time implementing a contingency plan – bringing in Scunthorpe United striker Paddy Madden on Tuesday.

This content could not be loaded ✍️ | #ftfc are delighted to confirm the permanent signing of clinical striker @Paddymadden on a two-and-a-half-year deal from @SUFCOfficial! https://t.co/FAnkB6cDq2 — Fleetwood Town FC (@ftfc) 2 January 2018

With Sheffield United striker James Hanson in talks with Bury – according to BBC Radio Sheffield reporter Andy Giddings – and Blades boss Chris Wilder hinting at a new arrival this week, it would perhaps be little surprise to see Cole head east in the coming days.

This content could not be loaded Understand reports suggesting #sufc striker James Hanson is in talks over a move to #buryfc are true. — Andy Giddings (@Gids1980) 2 January 2018

In other news, Hodgson explains what Crystal Palace's Benrahma move is 'totally dependent on'