Sheffield United are reportedly interested in signing Villarreal's Ben Brereton Diaz and Sunderland's Jack Clarke in the January transfer window.

The Blades' owner Prince Abdullah is set to back head coach Chris Wilder this month as the Yorkshire club attempt to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

United are currently sitting bottom of the Premier League standings after collecting just nine points from 20 top-flight contests, meaning that they are seven points adrift of Sean Dyche's Everton in 17th.

Following the departures of Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge in the summer to Marseille and Burnley respectively, the Blades are low on quality options in midfield and forward areas.

According to the Sheffield Star, Sheffield United are looking to solve the latter issue by luring Villareal man Brereton Diaz to Bramall Lane this month.

The report claims that the Chile international is now expected to link up with Wilder's men on a loan deal until the conclusion of the current campaign.

Brereton Diaz signed for the Yellow Submarine on a free transfer from Championship club Blackburn Rovers, where he netted 36 goals over the past two second-tier seasons.

The 24-year-old has struggled in Spain, though, failing to score in 14 La Liga matches, and Marcelino Garcia's men have consequently made the attacker available for a temporary switch.

Another man who could be moving to Bramall Lane this month is Sunderland's Clarke, who - according to HITC - the Blades and fellow Premier League newcomers Burnley are battling for.

It is understood that Michael Beale's Black Cats want in the region of £20m for the sale of the former Leeds United man, however potential suitors reckon that they could secure a deal for closer to £15m.

With Clarke's former employers Tottenham set to pocket over 30% of the transfer fee due to a sell-on clause, Sunderland are keen to drive the price up as much as possible for one of their key assets.

Clarke has scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 26 Championship matches so far this season, taking over responsibilities as leading marksman at the Stadium of Light following the end of Amad Diallo's loan spell in May.

The Blades' need to recruit attacking reinforcements is even greater considering that youngster Benie Traore is set to be loaned out to French club Nantes for the remainder of the campaign.

Wilder and Sheffield United will take a break from the rigours of Premier League football when they travel to League Two Gillingham in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.