PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are calling a halt to transfer business amid growing fears about a second wave of coronavirus.
The impact of the pandemic is a major factor in Manchester United’s reluctance to pay Borussia Dortmund £100million for Jadon Sancho.
And the uncertainty about when or if fans will be able to return, not to mention the possibility of a new lockdown, is putting the frighteners on almost every club except big-spending Chelsea.
A source said: “Covid is back and everyone is s***ting themselves.
“Most clubs have spent all their money and those that haven’t are concerned about doing business in the current situation.
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“What if a major sponsor comes to you and says it can’t pay?
“What are you going to do? Sue them?
“There has to be doubt about whether the Champions League and Europa League can go ahead.”
Rising infection rates in the UK and across Europe are a body blow to football’s hopes of emerging from the crisis.
United will miss out on up to £5m for every match played behind closed doors, with Arsenal facing a similar shortfall.
Unless Dortmund reduce the asking price for Sancho, 20, the much-touted deal will not happen.
The cancellation of the Premier League’s £564m TV deal in China has just added to the crisis.
Most clubs are likely to wait to see how things pan out and use the first three weeks of the season to assess if they still need to strengthen squads.
