Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanovic's transfer decision frustrates Championship rivals

Slavisa Jokanovic’s decision to wait until he has personally evaluated Sheffield United’s senior squad before making any major forays into the transfer market threatens to frustrate Stoke City’s attempts to offload Joe Allen.
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The Wales international will privately be offered to United, as officials at the bet365 Stadium attempt to reorganise their finances.

Although midfield is a priority position for United this summer, with Sander Berge expected to follow John Lundstram through the exit door following their relegation from the Premier League, Jokanovic has told Bramall Lane’s hierarchy he would prefer to study the players he will inherit next month in the flesh before completing his most important business.

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Although City appreciate Allen can not be moved on until he returns from the European Championships, they are seeking to ascertain which of the clubs identified as possible destinations for the 31-year-old are interested in exploring a deal.

But with Jokanovic believing the side he is preparing to take over has the foundations of a promotion winning team - albeit one in need of adjustments in a couple of key areas - City are unlikely to receive a quick answer from United, who according to reports in Italy have received an approach from Napoli for Berge.

Allen started his career with Swansea City, helping them climb from League One to the top-flight before joining Liverpool in 2012. He spent four seasons at Anfield, helping the Merseysiders reach the finals of both the League Cup and the UEFA Europa League, before heading for Staffordshire in a £13m deal.