PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are likely to vote for the creation of two transfer deadline days in the summer window – one for domestic deals and another for international moves.
The Times report that a “hybrid” model for the transfer window is currently the favourite option being discussed across the league and will be supported by at least one of the “big six” at a vote next month.
Sky Sports News’ Jim White may have to work two deadline days every summer
It would see the transfer window close the day before the start of the season for domestic deals but remain open for international signings.
The idea is Premier League clubs would be able to keep pace with their European counterparts without compromising the league’s integrity.
Transfers with Football League clubs after the season starts would be permitted under the rules of the new system but any loans between Premier League clubs would have to be completed beforehand.
The alternatives on offer to clubs are sticking with the current format where the window closes completely before the start of the season or a return to the old system where it closes at the end of August.
A meeting on February 6 will decide the future of the transfer window with all 20 sides casting their vote after club representatives attended regional meetings with the Premier League where the different options were explained.
BREXIT IMPLICATIONS
The meetings were also used to update Premier League teams on the effect Brexit will have on them going forward.
They were told that after this summer they will no longer be allowed to sign 16 and 17-year-old players from Europe.
Fifa rules will dictate any international signings must be 18 after a transition period ends at the end of 2020.
No clarity was given on work permits with the Premier League yet to come to an agreement with the FA over how the system should work post-Brexit.
The Premier League are in favour of a global free market where anyone who has a contract with one of their 20 clubs will be given a permit.
However, the FA are only likely to support this if the league agrees to an increase in the minimum number of home-grown players in a first-team squad from eight to 12.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Watford and Swansea City all opposed the earlier finish to the window, with one club abstaining from the vote.To prevent disruption at the beginning of the season the deadline was changed from the end of August to the day before the start of the season and first came into force in August 2018.
