The Sheffield United board would reportedly consider Paul Heckingbottom as their next permanent manager.
Heckingbottom is currently in charge of the Blades on a caretaker basis until the end of the season.
Moved from the Under-23s into the role after the departure of Chris Wilder, the 43-year-old has never said he wants the job permanently.
However, Yorkshire Live reports that if Heckingbottom made it clear he is interested, they would seriously consider him.
This is despite the fact United have lost all five matches in all competitions since he took charge.
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Yet the hierarchy at Bramall Lane have been impressed with how Heckingbottom has conducted himself under difficult circumstances.
They also like some of the processes he has put in place behind the scenes.
How Paul Heckingbottom could land Sheffield United job
Aside from wanting it, of course, for Heckingbottom to become permanent successor to Wilder a few other things need to happen first.
Relegation to the Championship has now been confirmed, but the Blades bosses want to see a positive end to the season.
Making a serious push for promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking next term will rely heavily on a good morale heading into 2021/22.
With United facing four sides in the bottom half in their final six games, there is a good opportunity for Heckingbottom to secure some positive results.
The board are also keen to see how the players respond to his leadership.
It’s hoped the majority of the squad will be retained next campaign. Therefore, they’ll need to see trust and respect in Heckingbottom from the playing staff.
How the fans would respond if he got the job is debateable. Heckingbottom does have previous managerial experience, impressing at Barnsley before bombing at Leeds United.
Most recently he had an indifferent spell at Hibernian.
Heckingbottom’s CV certainly isn’t as impressive as other apparent candidates. Such as Slavisa Jokanovic, who has twice been promoted from the Championship with Watford and Fulham.
But he does conduct himself well and also knows the club.
