Why Sheffield United's frontline has been given an even greater lift

After handing Billy Sharp and Oli McBurnie the task of spearheading United’s attack in recent weeks, Wilder must decide whether or not to recall Mousset when Eddie Howe’s side travel north this weekend.

Mousset, aged 23, has already scored more Premier League goals for United than he did during three seasons on the south coast following a £10m move last summer.

But Zivkovic’s arrival on loan from Changchun Yatai has further increased competition for places in Wilder’s frontline, with the Dutchman hoping to make his United debut against Bournemouth.

“Good players want to see good players arrive,” Wilder, who also signed Sander Berge and Panos Retsos during the final 48 hours of the winter transfer window, said. “That tells them the club is serious about moving in the right direction and trying to get better.

“They don’t see it as a threat. It’s something positive and they respond in the right way because competition and tough decisions is what you want.”

Despite his reluctance to make wholesale changes for PL games, Wilder has chosen to rotate his strikers during the first six months of the campaign.

After overcoming a fitness issue, Mousset opened his United account at Everton in September, before also finding the back of the net against Arsenal, West Ham, Manchester United and Wolves.

Like Zivkovic, previously of Ajax and Oostende, pace is Mousset’s most dangerous weapon.

“We pick a side to try and win the game,” Wilder said. “We take all sorts of things into consideration.”

Wilder could face another selection dilemma if David McGoldrick is passed fit after suffering a set-back in his battle to overcome injury. The Republic of Ireland international’s technical skills have been a driving force behind United’s climb to sixth in the table. Bournemouth are preparing for the game in 16th; two points above the relegation zone but searching for a third straight league win after beating Brighton and Aston Villa.