Premier League

Sheffield United want Championship promotion expert Slavisa Jokanovic to get them back to Prem at first attempt

Published

21st March 2021

SHEFFIELD UNITED want to tempt Slavisa Jokanovic back to England to lead them back to the Premier League at the first try.

The Blades, who look doomed, have started their hunt for a long-term boss and the Serb is their first choice if they can come up with the money.

Slavisa Jokanovic is being lined up by Sheffield United as they prepare for life in the Championship next season

The former Watford and Fulham chief has two promotions on his CV and United want him to make it a lucky third.

The 52-year-old is in Qatar with Al-Gharafa on a lucrative deal, so it would be an expensive recruit.

He would need to be the best paid manager in the Championship in the £2million-a-year range.

Jokanovic is very choosy about where to go, so the Bramall Lane outfit would have to sell it to him.

He has been in the Middle East since June 2019, but has strong links with England and could move if the terms are right.

The Blades have even asked former boss Chris Wilder who they should go for and he has suggested highly-rated Steve Cooper at Swansea.

Cooper could be available if the Welsh club fail to go up this season, but does have other admirers.

He will not come cheap, but United are willing to get their cheque book out for the right man.

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Chris Wilder left Sheffield United with relegation all-but guaranteed

Both Jokanovic and Cooper would cost big but United insiders reveal they know how key this decision is in their future plans.

After surprising everyone to finish ninth last year in their debut Premier League season, Wilder was left angry when they failed to land top targets Jesse Lingard, Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash in the summer.

And there were disagreements with Prince Abdullah in recent weeks over the future direction of the club.

Wilder was believed to have been unwilling to work with a director of football next season and left after having the control of recruitment taken out of his hands.

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