As a result of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, many clubs may have to reconsider their initial plans for the next transfer window.
Almost every club, to varying degrees, find themselves facing a period of financial uncertainty as it remains unclear when they will resume their respective leagues.
However, the pandemic has not stopped teams from identifying potential targets, with some potentially preferring to make investments in younger players over experienced stars who would command bigger wages.
With Liverpool and Arsenal being credited with an interest in Eintracht Frankfurt's Evan Ndicka, Sports Mole takes a look at what the English sides would be getting for their money if they can secure the signature of the defender.
Where does he play?
During his time at Frankfurt, Ndicka has been deployed at centre-back or left-back. At 20 years of age, Ndicka is at a stage of his career where he will value playing in either role to further his development.
On the plus side, it means that he is also in a position where he is suited to playing on the left-hand side of a back three - a bonus for any manager in modern-day football.
Background
While Ndicka has been at Frankfurt since July 2018, he initially began his professional career in his homeland with Auxerre. Although he never played top-flight football in France, making 14 appearances at the second tier was arguably perfect for the prospect before the age of 19.
His performances ultimately led to interest from several clubs, including Frankfurt who were prepared to pay €5.5m (£5.1m) for Ndicka's services and hand him a five-year contract.
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How has he performed this season?
During the last campaign, Ndicka played a leading role as Frankfurt made an impression towards the top of the Bundesliga table and reached the Europa League semi-finals.
While that has not been replicated this season, Ndicka has still made 22 appearances in all competitions, the majority of which have come at left-back.
His most notable outing came back in November, completing the full 90 minutes on the left-hand side of a back three as Frankfurt thrashed Bayern Munich by a 5-1 scoreline.
International experience?
You have to be some player to spend any period of time at international level in France, but Ndicka has managed to represent his country at six different age levels.
All things considered, that is a remarkable achievement. Although he remains with just one Under-21 outing to his name, earning eight caps with the Under-20s indicates that he is highly regarded within the national team system.
Is he likely to feature in the starting lineup?
In theory, Ndicka has a greater chance of appearing in Arsenal's first XI. Not only would he be in contention for a starting role alongside William Saliba in the centre, there would be occasions when Mikel Arteta would prefer his defensive attributes over the likes of Kieran Tierney and Bukayo Saka.
That said, there is an argument that Ndicka would be the perfect fit at Liverpool. Joe Gomez is regarded as a central option and someone who can provide quality backup to Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, and Ndicka possesses extremely similar qualities.
With Liverpool considering replacements for Dejan Lovren and requiring a deputy for Andrew Robertson, signing Ndicka would tick a lot of boxes for Jurgen Klopp.
