Slavisa Jokanovic: Sheffield United are on the brink of confirming their new manager as talks with number one target reach an advanced stage

Although a binding agreement between United, Jokanovic and his present employers Al-Gharafa has yet to be finalised, one independent source with knowledge of Middle Eastern football this morning insisted it is now “pretty certain” one will be brokered.

Bramall Lane’s hierarchy first moved for Jokanovic, who has won promotion from the Championship with both Watford and Fulham, earlier this month; holding a series of talks which quickly established both parties’ interest in working together.

Relegated from the Premier League following a campaign overshadowed by injuries to key players, the absence of crowds due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the circumstances surrounding Chris Wilder’s departure in March, United responded by moving the former Yugoslavia and Chelsea midfielder’s name to the top of a shortlist which also included Oostende’s Alexander Blessin, Philippe Clement of Club Brugge and caretaker Paul Heckingbottom who won three of his final six matches at the helm.

Jokanovic, aged 52, has also worked for Partizan Belgrade, Levski Sofia, Muanthong United and Maccabi Tel Aviv since retiring as a player. Barring an unforeseen complications - and there are thought to still be a couple of minor issues to be ironed out - securing Jokanovic’s services would represent a major coup for United’s owner Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his inner circle.

Jokanovic’s contract in Qatar has 34 days left to run.