Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanovic has made it clear he will not accept a lack of focus in pre-season training according to the Sheffield Star, amid strong interest in three of his players.

The Serbian is due to leave Qatari side Al-Gharafa and link up with his team in the next week or two but will miss a few of their opening training sessions, as per the same outlet.

However, the 52-year-old will receive regular updates on his new team and particular attention will be paid to Aaron Ramsdale, Sander Berge and Jayden Bogle.

 

 

All three are linked with moves away from Bramall Lane this summer, although whispers from around the club will reassure Jokanovic ahead of his arrival in South Yorkshire.

Ramsdale has reportedly confirmed his commitment to the Championship side after only rejoining from AFC Bournemouth last summer, Berge has been labelled as the 'perfect professional' as he attracts major interest from around Europe and Bogle is said to be 'relaxed' at the prospect of staying with the second-tier side as they look to win promotion back to the Premier League.

However, there is no room for complacency with Jokanovic being given one big task: to get back to the top flight. He is set to engage in talks with the wanted trio when he arrives at the club to find out what their mindset is going into the new season - and the Serbian will be keen to hold on to all three if they are committed to the cause.

The Verdict:

Slavisa Jokanovic knows how much of a big task it will be to get Sheffield United back to the Premier League.

Although he has said this is the best squad he's inherited in England ahead of Watford and Fulham, the Blades were woeful last season and finished at the foot of the top division, so Jokanovic will need to change their mindset and shape his squad as the season approaches.

And although it seems he will have no problem whatsoever with the three wanted players, all of whom seem like good characters in the face of major transfer interest, he knows how vital it is to instil discipline in his players from the very start as he looks to keep committed players and sell those who are angling for a move away.

His start at Bramall Lane will set the tone for the next campaign and if the boss can get all of his players focused on the task from the outset, the Blades have a real chance of winning the title, let alone just promotion.