How changing financial landscape could benefit Sheffield United quintet

Zivkovic is on loan from Changchun Yatai with an option to buy, and the Bramall Lane careers of the other four have also gone into added time.

All were due to leave yesterday but signed contract extensions until the end of the elongated season.

Only Jageilka, twice, has started a Premier League game this season, something unlikely to change at home to Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow. But with transfer funds squeezed and seven games to play by July 25, it could open opportunities.

“Our landscape has definitely changed,” admitted manager Chris Wilder.

“We’ll lose a chunk of change, £20m or £30m I should imagine.

“This is a moving situation. No-one knows if fans will be in the ground next season. It’s up to me to find another way around that. As always, I’ll do my best to make the group better.

“Some boys will not be with us, it’s the natural progression of the club and it’s my job that when we come to pre-season, we’re stronger than when we started in the Premier League.”

John Lundstram was another due to leave yesterday, but the Blades unsurprisingly triggered their option to extend his contract by 12 months.

Wilder has said Jack O’Connell will be involved against Spurs if he proves his fitness in training, but warned the man who took his place will not be easy to dislodge.

“I think Jack Robinson has been our best player in the last four games,” said Wilder. “He’s produced consistent performances.”

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