How Manchester United, Liverpool and other Premier League teams could sign players on short-term deals if season is prolonged

What happens next with football in England is currently unclear as football organisations try to work out how to proceed after the coronavirus outbreak forced the postponement of the league season.

Both the Premier League and Football League have postponed action until 3 April, but there are doubts it will return by then due to the severity of the virus.

If the season does return to be completed, the FA and Fifa could grant special dispensation on contracts, according to The Athletic, if the remainder of the campaign runs into July and beyond.

It would allow clubs to offer short-term rolling deals for players out of contract on June 30.

This could prove a significant move for clubs up and down the Premier League. Not only would they be able to retain key individuals who will be out of contract, they would also be able to sign players from rivals whose deals have expired.

There is a fierce fight for the final Champions League spot as well as tight battle at the bottom to avoid relegation. A signing here or there could prove vital in helping a club achieve its aims.

There are a number of quality players who will likely be available on a free contract. Chelsea attacker Willian, Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser who has been linked with Liverpool, Nemanja Matic of Manchester United, Adam Lallana at Liverpool, Manchester City legend David Silva and Jan Vertonghen of Spurs.

In addition, the position of loan players returning to their parent club in unclear.

An issue could rise whereby agents look to take advantage of the situation and secure their clients “lucrative bonuses”.

A source told The Athletic: “You can guarantee agents will demand lucrative bonuses for themselves and their player if he is seen as crucial to club’s success for that immediate goal.”