Sheffield United consider overseas options in their search for a new manager

With Wilder’s former assistant Alan Knill expected to follow coaches Darren Ward and Matt Prestridge through the exit door shortly - analyst Mikey Allen’s departure from Bramall Lane was also announced yesterday - the board of directors’ focus is now solely on identifying the 53-year-old’s successor ahead of next season.

Although a number of candidates well known with the domestic game are thought to be under consideration, United owner HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is known to be exploring several lines of enquiry abroad.

Slavisa Jokanovic, once of Watford and Fulham, has yet to be contacted about the vacancy as he approaches the end of his present contract with Qatari club Al-Gharafa. But Javier Pereira, who worked with the Serb at both Vicarage Road and Craven Cottage, is believed to be interested in taking charge of United having moved to China earlier this term.

Despite accepting a knowledge of Championship football would be a bonus - 14 points adrift of safety with only nine matches remaining, United are destined to be relegated from the Premier League - Prince Abdullah and members of his inner circle will base the selection process on ability and attributes rather than past experience.

Having worked in four different countries during his own coaching and technical career, the Saudi Arabian’s confidant and advisor Jan van Winckel has amassed a series of contacts across the globe.

Born in Belgium and a key figure in the United World project - an umbrella organisation of clubs including United themselves - van Winckel is expected to take a lead role in assessing the suitability of the candidates vying to succeed Wilder, who delivered two promotions during his time in charge.

Having placed Paul Heckingbottom in caretaker charge until the end of the campaign and adding former AFC Bournemouth manager and assistant Jason Tindall to his coaching staff, The Star understands United have no immediate plans to replace Ward, Prestridge and Allen.

Although Prestridge joined United following Wilder’s appointment in May 2016, Ward and Allen were already in situ when the fomer Northampton and Oxford chief arrived.

“The trio, members of the backroom staff for a number of years, leave Bramall Lane with immediate effect,” a brief statement, published on United’s official website, said. “The board thank them for their hard work and wish them well for the future.”

Knill missed United’s FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea earlier this month, after being granted permission to consider their offer of a non-coaching role in South Yorkshire.

Speaking during a recent interview designed to tell his side of the story behind Wilder’s departure, Prince Abdullah denied he had plans to install a director of football.

But United’s hierarchy are keen on establishing a more consensual approach towards identifying potential targets moving forward, with Prince Abdullah acknowledging Wilder had been presented with a number of avenues to explore before leaving his post nearly three weeks ago.