Sheffield United want to speak to Slavisa Jokanovic about their vacant manager’s job because they have growing doubts about Paul Heckingbottom.
Caretaker boss Heckingbottom’s chances of landing the job permanently were boosted 12 days ago when United named him on a five-man shortlist and excluded Jokanovic.
But they now want to invite the former Watford and Fulham boss for talks because Heckingbottom has not been able to improve their dire form and is not popular with the fans.
Although they feel Heckingbottom’s plans for the team chime with their own, they are worried by his run of seven losses from his eight games and the Blades are on course to set a new Premier League record for most defeats.
Jokanovic, 52, is keen to manage in England again after a successful spell in Qatar, where he led Al-Gharafa into the qualifying rounds of the AFC Champions League.
United like the Serb because he is more experienced than Heckingbottom and has promotion to the Premier League with Watford and Fulham on his CV.
Critically in the new post-Brexit world, Jokanovic would not need a work permit, unlike early favourite KV Oostende boss Alexander Blessin.
The Blades want to appoint Chris Wilder’s permanent successor before the end of the season on May 23 and it remains to be seen if they fit the profile of club Jokanovic is looking for.
He is ambitious to manage in the top flight again as soon as possible and may feel United are too big a job to turn round in one season.
Jan van Winckel, chief footballing advisor to Blades’ owner Prince Abdullah, is driving the search for the new manager and has also identified Club Brugge’s Philippe Clement.
