The search for a new manager has led Sheffield United to Belgium

Several influential figures within the game, including one who works overseas, report that United have been actively assessing several of the Jupiler Pro League’s most respected coaches in recent days - with one in particular thought to be viewed as a potential replacement for Chris Wilder whose reign in South Yorkshire abruptly ended three weeks ago.

Although those tasked with overseeing the selection process are not believed to have made a formal approach to speak to the individual concerned, he is thought to be aware United’s interest as they look to finalise the shortlist of names which will be presented to owner HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud shortly.

United have received numerous applications from people hoping to fill the vacancy created by Wilder’s departure, many of whom are currently employed by other clubs.

Slavisa Jokanovic, previously of Watford and Fulham is said to be flattered by reports linking him with the role and would almost certain;y accept an invitation to discuss it when his contract with Qatari club Al-Gharafa expires next month. However the Serb, who masterminded promotion winning campaigns at both Vicarage Road and Craven Cottage, has yet to be contacted by anyone from United. Jokanovic’s former assistant, Javier Pereira, has also been suggested as a possible contender, despite only moving to China in the Autumn.

Having placed Paul Heckingbottom in caretaker charge, United are in no rush to make a quick appointment. Bottom of the Premier League table and 14 points adrift of safety ahead of Saturday’s derby against Leeds, they are almost certain to be relegated at the end of the season.

With that in mind, United are conscious of the fact the next man at the helm must possess the skills required to not only reshape a squad which could be in need of a major overhaul but also deliver immediate results. Candidates both at home and abroad will be considered.

A Belgian national and Prince Abdullah’s most trusted footballing advisor, Jan van Winckel enjoys a wealth of contacts in his homeland. Van Winckel is among a number of Flemish coaches, including Marc Brys of OH Leuven, who have also worked in Saudi Arabia. It was during his spells as technical director of the Saudia Arabian Football Federation and Al-Ahli Saudi that van Winckel met Prince Abdullah.

After hiring former AFC Bournemouth manager Jason Tindall to assist Heckingbottom, United began sweeping away the last vestiges of Wilder’s regime earlier this week when coaches Matt Prestridge, Darren Ward and analyst Mikey Allen were released from their contracts.

United have no immediate plans to replace the trio, with existing members of staff expected to cover their duties until Wilder’s successor is unveiled.

A lifelong supporter of the club, Wilder led United from the third to the first tier of English football after taking charge in May 2016. However, after finishing ninth in the table last term, his relationship with Prince Abdullah and other members of the board deteriorated amid a flurry of injuries, disagreements over transfer policy, infrastructure and poor results.

An important message: Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details at https://www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions/sports. Your support is much appreciated.