Dean Windass was today linked with a sensational return to Bradford City.

Windass, a key part in City's Premiership survival, has left Sheffield United after seven months at Bramall Lane. His short-term contract ran until the end of the month but the Blades have agreed to settle it early so he can get fixed up at a new club.

The Bantams are believed to be in the hunt to bring back the talismanic frontman, although they could face competition from Hull City, another of his former sides.

Boss Nicky Law is keen to bring down the average age of the squad with his new signings. But he also wants to add some experience to help guide the likes of Luke Cornwall, pictured, and Robert Wolleaston.

Windass, who still lives in the area, scored 20 goals in 88 games during his two years with City. He top-scored with ten as City beat the drop against all the odds in 2000.

Paul Jewell signed him in March, 1999 to bolster the successful promotion push. He was sold to Middlesbrough for £600,000 two months before City were relegated from the top flight.

Windass joined Sheffield United in November, initially on loan, and scored on his debut against City in a 5-0 thrashing at the Bradford & Bingley Stadium.

But he was left out of the Blades side for the First Division play-off final and declined to travel with the squad to Cardiff.

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock said: "We've agreed to pay Dean up for the final few weeks of his contract.

"There was a lot of stuff spoken around the time of the play-off final but this has nothing to do with that. Dean, myself and the club have parted company on good terms.

"He is a real livewire and I would like to publicly go on record to thank him for the job he did for us."

City, who have so far signed four players during the summer, were coy over the Windass rumour.

Law is in Warwick on a UEFA coaching course and chief executive Julian Rhodes said: "He might be one that Nicky is interested in but I don't know. I can't confirm or deny it."

Law said: "There are another two or three players that have just got to be finalised and obviously some more that I am looking at that are in the infancy. There will be names that people will know and one that they will definitely know."