Window open ’til January

THE summer transfer window could stay open until January.

Football authorities are discussing various proposals with the prospect of fixtures being delayed for months.

That would cause havoc for the traditional window which is scheduled to be open in July and August for the Premier League and EFL clubs.

But it is understood EFL clubs have already discussed extending the window until next year, with the Premier League also looking at alternatives.

Big-money deals are likely to be put on hold and players who are out of contract on June 30 face uncertain futures.

But realistically the window can only open later in the year ahead of the start of next season which means having to push the August 31 deadline back with no certainty this season’s fixtures will be completed

by then. It could mean that football ends up with one giant, long transfer window and transfer free-for-all.

Premier League clubs are bound by rules from FIFA which has set up a working group to look at the transfer window.

They will also look at player contracts, with deals potentially running out before the season ends, and are liaising with the Premier League, EFL and FA.

Fifa-regulated agents have also been complaining that they have been given no information about how the next transfer window will work.

A FIFA spokesperson said: “On March 18 the Bureau of the FIFA Council established a Fifa-confederations Working Group in response to COVID-19.

“This group will assess the need for amendments or temporary dispensations to protect contracts for both players and clubs and adjusting player registration periods.”