Still no Sheffield United approach for one of the supporters' most popular choices to replace Chris Wilder

Jokanovic, who achieved promotion from the Championship with both Watford and Fulham before moving to the Middle East, is thought to be open to the idea of discussing the possibility of replacing Chris Wilder following the 53-year-old’s departure nearly four weeks ago.

However, United are understood to have made no contact with either Jokanovic or his representatives after appearing to identify KV Oostende’s Alexander Blessin as their preferred candidate. A former Chelsea midfielder, who has also worked for Partizan Belgrade, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Levski Sofia since retiring as a player, Jokanovic will not force the issue or try to influence the selection process out of respect for both United and his present employers.

Blessin, aged 47, is in pole position to be named as Wilder’s successor providing he can satisfy post-Brexit employment criteria. Following a nomadic career in German football, which saw him represent 14 different clubs before carving a new identity as a coach, Blessin took charge at the Versluys Arena in June after Adnan Custovic’s departure.

Jokanovic is unlikely to be short of offers if he does decide to leave Al-Gharafa, previously known as Al-Ittihad, following their final match of the Qatari Stars League campaign this weekend. Several teams in continental Europe are known to be monitoring his situation closely, although Jokanovic could choose to return to England following his exploits at Vicarage Road and Craven Cottage.

Javier Pereira, who worked with Jokanovic at both, is also thought to have been considered by the selection panel tasked with considering applications for the United job. He is currently working in China.

Wilder, who led United from League One to a ninth placed finish in the Premier League last season after being appointed in 2016, left his post following a series of disagreements with the board of directors about transfer policy and footballing strategy. United, who placed Paul Heckingbottom in temporary charge, are preparing for Sunday’s game against Arsenal 15 points adrift of safety with only eight games remaining.

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