AHEAD OF THE GAME

FA TO REJECT TOP-FLIGHT PLAN FOR EASIER FOREIGN SIGNINGS

The FA are set to reject a Premier League proposal to make it easier to sign foreign players because, after taking soundings from england boss Gareth Southgate, they believe it could damage the national team.

Sportsmail revealed earlier this week that top-flight clubs are planning to lobby the FA to reduce from 15 to 12 the number of Governing Body endorsement (GBE) points required for overseas players to secure a visa. The regulation was introduced after Brexit, with the points allocated based on the quality of the player’s current league and international experience. The FA set the level of GBE points required and are convinced that limiting foreign signings will help the development of english players.

The new system has already had a major impact on some Premier League clubs, with Chelsea forced to delay the arrival of £16million January signing Andrey Santos. he has returned to Brazilian side Vasco da Gama on loan after the club were unable to secure the midfielder a visa.