Sheffield United have signed the striker Ben Brereton Díaz on loan from Villarreal for the rest of the season. The 24-year-old, who joined the La Liga side in the summer after his contract at Blackburn expired, could make his debut in Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Gillingham, subject to international clearance. Chris Wilder, who has made his first signing since returning for his second spell as United’s manager, told the club’s website: “He’s quick, powerful and obviously his recent goal record at Blackburn speaks for itself. He’s got plenty of international experience as well over the last few years, representing Chile. “For me, the fact that he really wanted to come here and play in the Premier League was a big factor. I didn’t have to say much about Sheffield United because he knows all about us already, he’s done his homework and liked what he’d heard and what we had to say to him.” Wilder, hoping to further strengthen his squad, has warned his players they are playing for their futures in the third-round tie at Gillingham, which he described as “the biggest game of the season”. He said: “If they come through it and tick all the boxes, then great, and if they don’t then obviously there’s a doubt in my head in terms of a medium to long-term future for the players who don’t produce a performance.” United have taken four points from six games since Wilder replaced Paul Heckingbottom in early December, leaving them seven points from the last safe spot.