Zizi tops transfer talk as Addicks see cash cow

Next season could see three of China's highest-profile soccer stars vying for attention in the English Championship unless talismanic playmaker Zheng Zhi is offloaded to a Premier League outfit to give his struggling team money for a makeover.

The fate of the China international captain is hanging in the balance at Charlton Athletic while Shao Jiayi is likely to join him in England's second-tier league. Meanwhile, former Manchester City right back Sun Jihai is likely to stay put at Sheffield United courtesy of a string of impressive performances so far this season.

Shao's contract with German Bundesliga outfit Energie Cottbus expires this summer and the midfielder is waiting for a firm offer from English Championship side Birmingham City.