Sheffield United: How Slavisa Jokanovic proved he will retain the final say on in-coming deals

The Celtic defender was linked with United when Bramall Lane’s hierarchy approached the Belgians’ head coach Alexander Blessin about the possibility of taking charge before opting for Jokanovic instead.

United’s recruitment and scouting department had already flagged-up Hendry as a person of interest, as they began plotting changes for the new season.

Phil Jagielka was released at the end of his contract following United’s relegation from the Premier League but Jokanovic, who officially takes charge on Thursday, appears intent on taking a different path - leaving the way clear for Oostende to push through a deal.

Despite telling United’s hierarchy he is satisfied with the core of the core of the squad he will inherit, Jokanovic is planning to make a number of changes with midfield and centre-half the Serb’s two priority areas.

However, he plans to wait and assess every player at his disposal in the flesh before deciding which targets to pursue or scratch off his wanted list.

Hendry is surplus to requirements at Parkhead, having spent much of his career with the former Scottish Premier League champions out on loan.

Capped seven times by Scotland at senior level, he joined Celtic in 2018, after progressing through Partick Thistle’s youth system before returning to Scotland with Dundee via Wigan Athletic.