Sheffield United draw up list of potential targets after making a policy decision about the transfer market

The policy, which mirrors the one used by former manager Chris Wilder during United’s promotion from the Championship in 2019, was given the seal of approval by the 53-year-old’s successor Slavisa Jokanovic during a meeting with owner HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Andulaziz Al Saud in Geneva last week.

Rather than fritter away their parachute payment following last season’s relegation, Bramall Lane’s hierarchy believe that focusing on temporary transfers will allow them to recruit the type of high calibre talent which would ordinarily prove beyond their reach and exploit Jokanovic’s contacts book.

Although United are planning to broker a number of permanent deals, with an attacking midfielder known to be their top priority after conceding Sander Berge is almost certain to depart as they prepare to return to the second tier, the majority of their business is expected to focus on short to medium term acquisitions.

Jokanovic’s successful use of loans in the past cemented United’s resolve to take this route, with Lucas Piazon, Tamas Kalas, Sheyi Ojo and Oliver Norwood among the names he borrowed at the start of the 2017/18 season, when Fulham went up via the play-offs. Matt Targett and Aleksandar Mitrovic also arrived at Craven Cottage midway through that campaign.

Norwood, now of United, was told by Jokanovic that he can expect to be a “very important” member of the Serb’s new look squad when the Serb’s appointment was confirmed seven days ago.

Previously of Brighton and Hove Albion, he initially joined United on loan midway through Wilder’s reign - helping them finish second in the Championship and then ninth in the PL before last term’s demotion.

Dean Henderson, Gary Madine, Kieran Dowell and Scott Hogan were also influential figures after agreeing loan moves to South Yorkshire as Wilder secured the second of his two promotions at the helm, before parting company with United in March.

Jokanovic will become United’s first overseas manager when he officially takes charge next month, at the end of his contract with Qatari club Al-Gharafa.