Sheffield United: Another transfer priority is identified by new Blades boss

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Dion Sanderson who spent last season on loan with Sunderland, features among the list of potential targets presented to Jokanovic following his appointment last month although the Serb wants to personally vet United’s squad before sanctioning any new arrivals.

Jokanovic, who is scheduled to officially start work on July 1 when his contract with Al-Gharafa expires, is also searching for a new midfielder after being informed Sander Berge is expected to follow John Lundstram through the exit door following United’s relegation from the Premier League last season.

Although replacing the duo is the former Yugoslavia international’s most pressing issue, he has also been assessing some of the defensive options unearthed by Paul Mitchell, United’s head of recruitment, which are known to include Sanderson.

Aged 21, he is now thought to be fully recovered from the back injury which forced him to miss the League One play-offs before returning to the Midlands.

With Rhys Norrington-Davies except to challenge for a starting role in the Championship next term, Jokanovic could use the Welshman as an alternative to Jack O’Connell on one side of United’s three man defence if the Liverpudlian fails to overcome a long-standing knee complaint ahead of the new Championship campaign.