Sheffield United: Is Nigel Adkins in line for a Lane return next season?

Nigel Adkins has held talks with Charlton Athletic

Officials at The Valley are understood to have approached the 51-year-old about replacing Jose Riga following the Belgian’s decision to resign.

Chris Wilder, who was unveiled as Adkins’ successor earlier this month, rejected the post in order to take charge of United.

Chris Wilder has replaced Nigel Adkins at Bramall Lane

“Managing here has always been in my ambitions,” Wilder, a lifelong supporter and former United player, admitted. “When the opportunity came, I just had to take it. When this club comes calling, you don’t turn them down.”

Adkins was sacked by United after leading them to their lowest league finish since the Eighties last season. Despite failing to impress in South Yorkshire, Adkins remains a well-respected figure after twice achieving promotion with both Scunthorpe and Southampton.

Although Charlton’s chief executive Katrien Meire is refusing to divulge the identity of those vying to replace Riga - “We have several British or experienced managers” - she has indicated Wilder was owner Roland Duchâtelet’s preferred choice.

“It got out,” Meire said. “We got a signed agreement, there was a clause in there, he (Wilder) had full control over player recruitment, but he gets approached by another club.”

Wilder, aged 48, led Northampton Town to the League Two title last season. Charlton were relegated from the Championship.