Why Richairo Zivkovic's confirmed deadline day move to Sheffield United makes perfect sense

But the centre-forward, who arrived at Bramall Lane earlier this week to finalise a loan move to Sheffield United which was confirmed on Friday, would have been left kicking his heels at home in Holland had Chris Wilder not made an approach for his services ahead of tomorrow’s match at Crystal Palace.

Zivkovic, aged 23, has spent the past 11 months playing for Chinese second tier side Changchun Yatai after leaving Oostende in February.

But with the country’s governing body last night announcing the indefinite suspension of the new season because of the coronavirus outbreak, Zivkovic, a former Netherlands under-21 international, faced the prospect of being left in limbo until the shutdown ended.

A statement, released by the CFA, admitted it had taken the dramatic step to try and prevent “and control the pneumonia epidemic of the new coronavirus infection, and the protect the health of the majority of fans, media, players, coaches, game officials, clubs and district staff.”

Pointedly, the CFA also failed to name a new start date for the campaign, which had been scheduled to begin next month.

Zivkovic started his career with Gronigen before joining Ajax, where he made seven Eredivisie appearances, in 2014.

Also capped by his country and youth and under-20 level, Zivkovic scored 16 goals in 26 appearances for Yatai last term and has previously enjoyed spells on loan with Willem II and FC Utrecht.