Sheffield United hope to replace Callum Robinson with Dutch striker

Callum Robinson’s move to West Bromwich Albion appears to have paved the way for Richairo Zivkovic to join Sheffield United.
James Shield
By James Shield
Published 29th Jan 2020, 08:59 BST
Updated 29th Jan 2020, 18:27 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Robinson was unveiled at The Hawthorns this morning, where he will spend the rest of the season on loan with Slaven Bilic’s side.

The Republic of Ireland striker is expected to be replaced by Zivkovic, a 23-year-old former Netherlands under-21 international, after he agreed to spend the next six months in South Yorkshire.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

United are now thought to be awaiting permission from Changchun Yatai, Zivkovic’s parent club, to process the deal.

Although Zivkovic has yet to finalise personal terms or undergo a medical, he is known to be keen on the idea of working with United following their climb to eighth in the Premier League table.

Having started his career with Gronigen, Zivkovic made seven Eredivisie appearances for Ajax before heading to China 11 months ago following a spell with Oostende.

Changchun, who are scheduled to begin the new League One campaign next month, finished fifth in the second tier last term.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

United received an approach from West Brom, enquiring about Robinson’s availability, earlier this week but talks accelerated when Bilic’s side were beaten by Cardiff City last night; a result which saw them slip to second in the Championship table, only two points ahead of third-placed Nottingham Forest.

DOETINCHEM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 11: Richairo Zivkovic of the Netherlands battles for the ball with Kyle Magennis of Scotland during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship group 4 qualifying match between Netherlands and Scotland at Stadion De Vijverberg (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)DOETINCHEM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 11: Richairo Zivkovic of the Netherlands battles for the ball with Kyle Magennis of Scotland during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship group 4 qualifying match between Netherlands and Scotland at Stadion De Vijverberg (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
DOETINCHEM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 11: Richairo Zivkovic of the Netherlands battles for the ball with Kyle Magennis of Scotland during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship group 4 qualifying match between Netherlands and Scotland at Stadion De Vijverberg (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Robinson, aged 24, has scored twice in 19 appearances for United since arriving from Preston North End during the close season.

The most recent of those outings came during Saturday’s FA Cup win over Millwall.

Speaking after that match, Wilder confirmed he expected players to leave Bramall Lane as he attempts to reshape his squad before Friday’s transfer deadline.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

United are continuing to try and secure midfielder Sander Berge’s release from Genk, after making what would be a club record bid for the 21-year-old.

Callum Robinson of Sheffield United during the FA Cup match at The Den, London: Robin Parker/SportimageCallum Robinson of Sheffield United during the FA Cup match at The Den, London: Robin Parker/Sportimage
Callum Robinson of Sheffield United during the FA Cup match at The Den, London: Robin Parker/Sportimage

But Wilder has instructed negotiators acting on his behalf to pursue other targets if the Belgians continue to drag their feet, with Olympiacos’ Mady Camara and Florian Grillitsch of Hoffenheim his two alternative options.

Related topics:Sander BergeSlaven Bilic