Breaking: Sheffield United take a huge step towards getting transfer deal done

MORE: France legend delivers his verdict on Slimane

Reports in Denmark state that Slimane, aged 22, has seen his name removed from Jesper Sorensen’s plans for his squad’s forthcoming friendlies against Swansea City, Crystal Palace and local rival’s B.93.

The Tunisia international - despite being born in Copenhagen, he represented the north Africans at last year’s World Cup in Qatar - now appears poised to be unveiled at Bramall Lane shortly, after previously being shown around United’s training ground.

MORE: The lowdown on Anis Ben

Slimane, a long-standing target for Heckingbottom, is expected to command a fee of around £2m after agreeing personal terms with United. However, his relatively modest price tag, coupled with the fact Heckingbottom’s employers were placed under a transfer embargo midway through last term, means Brondby will demand the deal is ‘front loaded’.

MORE: United’s secret Premier League weapon