What former Sheffield United boss told Bramall Lane's hierarchy about Regan Slater as Hull City maintain interest

Heckingbottom made the recommendation in a dossier presented to Bramall Lane’s board of directors towards the end of last term, which helped form the basis of the document outlining the club’s future strategy which was later handed to Slavisa Jokanovic.

Previously of Watford and Fulham, the Serb was officially confirmed as Chris Wilder’s permanent successor last month and is scheduled to begin his reign in South Yorkshire on July 1.

After helping Hull City win the League One title during his stay on loan at the KCOM Stadium, Slater has been offered the chance to join Grant McCann’s side on a permanent basis ahead of the new Championship campaign.

Although United are thought to have already informed McCann’s employers what it will cost to sign the midfielder, the move has been complicated by his parent club’s relegation from the Premier League and Jokanovic’s impending arrival. As The Star revealed this week, Jokanovic wants to assess Slater before deciding whether or not to accept City’s offer.

Had United retained their top-flight status, Slater would almost certainly have been allowed to move on. But as they also prepare for second tier football, Heckingbottom, who has been instrumental in developing the likes of fellow youngsters Danniel Jebbison and Iliman Ndiaye, warned against making any snap judgements on Slater before stepping down.