Clubs have allowed players to be loaned and we understand Spurs attempted to sign the Israeli striker but could not get the deal completed before the transfer window closed.

Zahavi is now being linked with a loan deal to several MLS teams, including David Beckham’s Inter Miami, but his salary of £5.378 million per year could pose a problem. “This is a time to support China and pray that this will end as soon as possible,” Zahavi said.

Zahavi’s biggest problem is staying match-fit for Israel’s crucial Euro 2020 play-off against Scotland in Glasgow at the end of March. He is currently training with team-mate Dia Saba at the Israel FA’s training ground.

One deal that was completed earlier in January saw Israel striker Moanes Dabour join Hoffenheim for £10 million from Sevilla on a four-and-a-half year contract, just five months after he was signed by the Spaniards for £13 million.