Sheffield United face another problem in their pursuit of Alexander Blessin.
The Oostende manager is one of the candidates the Blades are considering as their next boss.
This is after impressing in Belgium this season. Under Blessin, Oostende have gone from second bottom in the Jupiler Pro League in 2019/20. to fourth this time around.
They are currently in a qualification place for next term’s Europa League.
When Blessin was given the job last June the 47-year-old was handed a two-year contract.
United are likely to have to pay a compensation fee if they do make an approach for the German before that is up.
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Which isn’t unusual, of course, but the owner of Belgian club is not going to make things easy should that arise.
Oostende are owned by Chien Lee – who is also the majority shareholder at Barnsley.
According to The Sheffield Star, Lee will take an “aggressive stance” to potential negotiations with the Blades.
He understandably does not want to lose Blessin and is ready to fight to keep him.
Latest issue for Sheffield United with Alexander Blessin
This is just the latest problem for United if they do decide Blessin is the right man to become a permanent successor to Chris Wilder.
Brexit would also prove to be a significant obstacle. Non-British nationals wanting to fill key positions in English football must acquire a Governing Body Endorsement.
There is specific criteria for this and a points system. Having worked as a youth and development coach for RB Leizpig prior to his move to Oostende, it’s doubtful whether Blessin would qualify.
It is unlikely to be an issue if they opted for another non-British candidate such as Slavisa Jokanovic, for example. This is because of his more established managerial CV.
If the Blades do decide that Blessin is their man, they better be ready for a battle to try and sign him.