EFL to hold talks over closing transfer window before start of season

The EFL is to hold talks with clubs next month over closing the summer transfer window before the start of the season.

The league competition's board announced on Tuesday it would be tabling meetings with its clubs in September, to explore the idea of the summer transfer window's closing date being brought forward.

The news comes a day after it was announced Premier League clubs are to discuss the proposed introduction of a new summer window, which would close before the opening day of next season.

An EFL spokesman said: "The EFL Board and its clubs have previously expressed the opinion that closing the summer transfer window in advance of the season commencing would be an improvement on the current position.

"On this basis we will be tabling the matter for discussion with clubs in September.

"It will be important that all the consequences of such a decision are fully considered, as the requirements of our clubs are different to those in Europe's top flight leagues."

This year's summer window closes on August 31 and, as is often the case, could become another frantic finale of eleventh-hour deals.

The Premier League is set to begin discussions with each of its clubs regarding a change to the deadline, with clubs from other European leagues including Spain and Italy still able to sign players from England in line with their own domestic policies, should the proposals come to fruition.

Meanwhile, any consequences the EFL's proposed change would have on its 72 clubs will be considered.

While a rule change at Premier League level requires a two-thirds majority approval, EFL regulations require a simple majority of those who cast a vote, as well as a majority within the Championship.