With Sheffield United suffering from a major injury crisis, Wilder was asked ahead of their win at Watford on Saturday whether he’d consider recalling Slimane from his duties at Carrow Road – instead confirming talks were ongoing over his permanent future.

“I believe there are ongoing talks regarding Anis,” Wilder told the Sheffield Star. “He’s there for the season, so he wants to make that decision. Otherwise, he would have stayed and joined the first team. “But players have that decision; he chose to play for a manager he had previously worked with, and Norwich is a fantastic club. “There was no problem with Anis doing what he wanted. Maybe he should have been a little more clear about it during and after that period and game, which did not go over well with me, as you can imagine. “Anis’ future is away from the football club. Whether it’s in the medium or long term.

Anis Ben Slimane’s future at Sheffield United, according to manager Chris Wilder, is away from Bramall Lane. (Image by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd.)Norwich are now working on a permanent deal for Slimane to stay at Carrow Road this month, despite a recent ankle ligament injury that will keep him out for four to six weeks. Slimane has been a steady fixture of Thorup’s team this season, recording 18 Championship appearances. The price, combined with the midfielder’s early effect at the club and desire to remain in Norfolk, is fuelling the permanent chase. This month, Norwich remained interested in Slavia Prague winger Matej Jurasek, but their initial bid for the 21-year-old was rejected. It’s understood that the Czechia international would be open to a City move, and there is growing confidence on all sides that a solution can be reached.

The winger has joined Slavia’s winter training camp in Spain, with talks between the clubs continuing.

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