Head of Recruitment Martin Foyle believes the released Derby County man will benefit from more regular first-team football in the way that D'Ath did after his Reading contract expired.
"We want young players who are hungry to do well and who can add to the blend of experience we’ve got in the squad," said Foyle, appointed earlier this year with a brief to identify new signings.
Manager Chris Wilder, meanwhile, is philosophical about his intention to part company with John-Joe O'Toole just one year into a three-year contract.
He told the Chronicle & Echo: “There are better managers than me that have made signings that have not really kicked in and now I just want to work with the players we have got."