Representatives from the 20 Premier League clubs are reportedly set to approve plans that will see future summer transfer windows close before the start of the season.
The Telegraph claim that officials from each top flight club will meet at a shareholders’ meeting next month with the majority of them keen to see the change implemented in time for the 2018/19 season.
This year’s summer window is set to close on August 31 – three weeks after the start of the Premier League season. This overlap has been criticised by some managers, most recently by Swansea City’s Paul Clement, who expressed his frustration following his side’s 0-0 draw with Southampton at the weekend.
“There’s frustration here and I’m sure Southampton are frustrated, too. That’s why I think if the window is shut before the season starts everything is sorted out and we can get on with the football.
“At our managers’ meeting at the Premier League last week, we spoke about it. The majority of clubs are in favour, but maybe all have to be for it to go through.”
The changes are expected to see the window close the week before the new season. Although some clubs such as Watford are said to oppose the idea, the report claims the vast majority are in favour of it and that discussions are already at an advanced stage.
