Sheffield United are reportedly interested in securing a loan deal for Nice midfielder Adrien Tameze.
Blades boss Chris Wilder is known to be looking to bolster his squad during the January transfer window, particularly in midfield so that he can ease the burden on John Lundstram, John Fleck and Oliver Norwood.
The Telegraph reports that the former France youth international is now near the top of their priority list and that the Yorkshire club are aiming to steal a march on their Premier League rivals and secure a deal in the coming days.
Tameze has started seven Ligue 1 games for Nice this season but he has recently spent more time on the bench, and coach Patrick Vieira is now prepared to let him leave on loan for the remainder of the season to compete for regular football.
Aston Villa were previously linked with signing him as an injury replacement for John McGinn, while West Ham United, Southampton and Burnley are all also thought to be interested in the 25-year-old.