Sheffield United hope their search for a new manager has now entered its final phase
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The individual concerned, who is currently based in England, was informed by members of his inner circle that Bramall Lane’s board of directors hoped to bring what has been a protracted search to a close “immediately after” the meeting with Sean Dyche’s side.
Although United failed to make an announcement following Sunday’s match, contact is now believed to have been made with everyone whose name features on the six man shortlist compiled by Jan van Winckel and other members of owner HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s selection panel.
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Hide AdThey include Slavisa Jokanovic, previously of Watford and Fulham, and Oostende head coach Alexander Blessin - although the road to his signature appears to have been blocked by legislation governing work permits post-Brexit.
Paul Heckingbottom, who has been in caretaker charge since Wilder’s departure in March, has also been considered for the role on a permanent basis.
Speaking after David McGoldrick’s first-half goal ensured United bowed out of the top-flight with a victory, Heckingbottom admitted it would be best for all concerned if Wilder’s replacement is unveiled “sooner rather than later” in order to begin laying the foundations for a push for promotion next term.
Despite United insistence that they plan to keep the core of their squad intact, with Heckingbottom insisting it is equipped to challenge for a top two finish, midfielder Sander Berge is expected to move on this summer with Arsenal among those reportedly interested in acquiring the Norwegian’s services.
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Hide AdOthers, including several of the youngsters introduced by Wilder and Heckingbottom since Christmas, are also likely to attract admiring glances from elsewhere - particularly as teams at the top of the PL attempt to bolster their options at under-23 level following the UK’s exit from the European Union.
Heckingbottom, the former Barnsley, Leeds and Hibernian manager, initially joined United to oversee their own development squad.