The new manager of Sheffield United is set to be named before this season is over, reports The Mirror.
The Blades have been without a permanent boss since March 13 following the departure of Chris Wilder.
Paul Heckingbottom has been in caretaker charge since, during which time relegation from the Premier League has been confirmed.
A sorry campaign for the club will be over in three games’ time – but apparently the new man in the dugout will be in place before then.
Whom that will be still remains unclear.
United CEO, Stephen Bettis, recently confirmed there is a five-man shortlist of candidates being considered.
Bettis added that Heckingbottom is one of them, but the identities of the others have not been revealed.
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Heckingbottom is certainly a serious candidate for the Blades board.
They’ve been impressed with how he has conducted himself since taking over in difficult circumstances.
However, they’re also said to be growing increasingly concerned about results. United have lost seven of their eight matches under Heckingbottom.
The reported number one choice is Alexander Blessin. Yet work permit complications caused by Brexit means the Oostende boss might be unattainable.
Other possibilities include Michael Appleton, Philippe Clement and Steve Cooper.
Slavisa Jokanovic is also now being considered as well. Not on that original shortlist, United are now interested in the 52-year-old.
After all, Jokanovic has twice been promoted from the Championship in the past with Watford and Fulham.
The Serbian is set to be out of contract this summer after leaving Qatari side Al-Gharafa.
Whomever it is, the next Blades manager will apparently be in place before the campaign is out.