Sheffield United: Slavisa considers causing Blades more frustration

Adkins, whose side return to action at Doncaster Rovers this weekend, has resumed the search for reinforcements after United failed to secure any of the players he identified before the transfer window closed on February 1.

Burn is Adkins’ preferred option to bolster a rearguard which enters Saturday’s match having kept only one clean sheet in eight outings. But Slavisa Jokanovic, his counterpart at Craven Cottage, last night suggested the former Birmingham City defender could be prevented from leaving to encourage “competition for places” among Fulham’s six centre-halves.

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“There are lots of things we have actively tried to do and will endeavour to do looking forward,” Adkins said. “Until things can be done, that’s where it stands.”

United, who also held talks with a League Two defender last month, are hopeful the fact that Burn’s contract expires this summer will eventually persuade Fulham to do business. Particularly following the arrival of Michael Madl from Sturm Graz last month. But despite paving the way for Ben Pringle to join Ipswich Town, Jokanovic appears set to frustrate Bramall Lane’s hierarchy by keeping Burn in the capital for the time being.