Sheffield United ‘identify Slavisa Jokanovic’ as their new manager as Premier League strugglers search for a new boss after Chris Wilder’s exit
- Slavisa Jokanovic has guided two clubs to promotion from the Championship
- Jokanovic is currently managing Qatari side Al-Gharafa on a lucrative contract
- Any deal for the 52-year-old Serb would cost in the region of £2million-a-year
- Swansea boss Steve Cooper has also been linked with a move to Bramall Lane
Sheffield United reportedly want Slavisa Jokanovic to lead the club back to Premier League next season.
The Blades, who are bottom of the table and 14 points from safety, have started their search for a long-term successor to Chris Wilder who left the Bramall Lane outfit last week.
According to The Sun, Sheffield United want Jokavonic – who has two promotions from the Championship on his CV during spells with Watford and Fulham – to take the reins next season if they can put together a financial package to tempt him back to England.
Sheffield United reportedly want former Fulham and Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic
The Blades have already begun their search for a new manager after Chris Wilder departed
The 52-year-old Serb is currently managing Qatari side Al-Gharafa on a lucrative contract.
And any deal to bring Jokanovic to south Yorkshire would need to be in the region of £2million-a-year. He has been in the Middle East since the summer of 2019 but could move if the terms are right.
The Blades hierarchy asked former boss Wilder for his views on his successor and he suggested Swansea manager Steve Cooper.
Cooper could be available if the Swans fail to gain promotion this season, however it’s likely he’ll be wanted by a host other clubs after an impressive season in south Wales.
Swansea manager Steve Cooper is also an option for the Blades if Swansea don’t get promoted
Both Jokanovic and Cooper would be expensive acquisitions, but the club realise the magnitude of this decision on their future plans.
Sheffield United enjoyed an impressive first season back in the Premier League finishing ninth, however Chris Wilder was left frustrated after the club failed to land top targets Ollie Watkins, Matty Cash and Jesse Lingard last summer.
There were also disagreements with the Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah over the direction of the club.
It is believed Wilder was unwilling to work with a director of football next season and left after the recruitment of players was taken out of his hands.