Chema Sanz links up with Slavisa Jokanovic as Sheffield United bring in new recruits

Sanz, 51, has linked up with manager Slavisa Jokanovic and the Blades squad at the club’s pre-season training camp in Malaga this week. He has signed a three-year deal.

Sanz had a previous spell in charge of Valencia’s B team before becoming technical director at the Mestalla, where he assisted Javi Gracia.

He previously worked with Jokanovic during his time as a player with Tenerife.

Meanwhile, the Blades have appointed Rafa Cristobal as the new first-team head of performance, while Marco Cesarini comes in as head of first-team medical services at Bramall Lane.

Cristobal worked with Jokanovic at Fulham, having previously held similar positions at Las Palmas, Alaves, Real Valladolid and Levante.

Italy-born Cesarini, who has worked in his homeland at AC Milan and Brescia, served under the Blades manager in both his previous jobs in England at Watford and Fulham. 

Cesarini also had a spell at West Ham, while his last position was at Chinese club Henan Jianye.

Meanwhile, former Sheffield Wednesday defender Osaze Urhoghide has revealed that he turned down interest from the Premier League to head to Scottish Premier League side Celtic.

Urhoghide, 20, recently joined Celtic on a four-year deal to renew acquaintances with Liam Shaw, who has also linked up with the Parkhead outfit.

On rebuffing top-flight overtures, Urhoghide added: “There were some teams there. The Premier League could be nice, but it is also about playing and trying to develop and it is also about the manager and culture of the club.”