Sheffield United have added former Chelsea captain John Terry to their list of candidates as they search for a successor to Chris Wilder, according to reports in the UK.

The Aston Villa assistant manager is believed to be a name the Blades are considering, despite the fact that the 40-year-old has not previously been a number one.

Terry does have a wealth of experience from his playing days. He has also spent the last two and a half years as part of Dean Smith’s coaching staff at Villa, but it would be a very risky appointment, considering United are keen to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Another surprise name entered the running at the weekend. KV Oostende manager Alexander Blessin is said to be on the club’s shortlist, with Prince Abdullah’s advisor Jan van Winckel likely to have made the Blades owner aware of the German due to his knowledge of Belgian football.

Whether either Terry or Blessin are serious contenders for the job, we shall see, but it appears the club’s attempts to recruit a new manager are ramping up.