Premier League clubs wary of early closing for the transfer window

Radical plans to close the transfer window in the Premier League before the start of next season were in the balance last night, with several clubs reluctant to vote for the change unless other major European leagues followed suit.

Ahead of today’s meeting to decide whether to stop top-flight teams buying players once the campaign is under way, The Daily Telegraph can reveal that at least five sides are considering joining Crystal Palace and Watford in opposing the proposal, despite being in favour of it in principle. Manchester City, West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Swansea City and Newcastle United all confirmed they wanted the window closed before the start of the season but that they may not formally endorse moves to do so unless the other major European leagues do the same.

Seven votes against the plan would be enough to bring it down, with such a change requiring more than a two-thirds majority to pass.

The Telegraph has canvassed Premier League clubs on where they stand on closing the window before the start of the season, with only three – Southampton, Stoke City and Brighton and Hove Albion – having indicated they were in favour come what may. The other 10 either would not commit, would not comment or failed to respond.

With a debate likely to proceed any vote today, plenty of clubs could be won over one way or the other and it remains possible they will decide to close the window early, even if only on a trial basis.

If not, they could still reach a decision in principle but pending other major leagues following suit to prevent the Premier League being at a disadvantage in the transfer market. Executive chairman Richard Scudamore would be tasked with negotiating at European Professional Football Leagues level.

The EPFL said it would ensure such talks were “top of the agenda”.