Anel Ahmedhodzic is hoping a swift return to Tyneside with Bosnia-Herzegovina on Monday night will provide a happier outcome than his last visit.

Although the roving central defender with an eye for a goal opened the scoring for Sheffield United against Newcastle United at St James’ Park last month, the Blades’ relegation to the Championship was confirmed through a 5-1 hammering.

Now, the 25-year-old, who has also been capped by Sweden is ready to use the friendly against England as a showcase for his talents. Chris Wilder’s side are resigned to losing the maverick defender, who joined from Malmo for £4million two summers ago.

He now has a £20m price tag, with Chelsea, Napoli and Atalanta having shown an interest. But Ahmedhodzic would love to hear that Manchester City are among the list of admirers.

“When I was about 10 and Edin Dzeko started playing for City, I started supporting them,” he said. “I also liked Yaya Toure. Although they have now both left and I’ve now played alongside Edin for Bosnia, I still watch City whenever I can.

“One day in the future, I would love to play for them.”

Ahmedhodzic caused a stir in December by being the only Premier League captain to refuse to wear a rainbow armband in support of LGBT+ rights. He left his native Malmo to join Nottingham Forest ’s academy and his only first-team appearance was as a 17-year-old in a 3-1 defeat at St James’ Park against the Toon.

The skilful defender represented Sweden at all international age levels only to switch allegiance to Bosnia- Herzegovina through his Bosnian parents.

Now, this summer his focus is mainly on successfully switching clubs.