The Premier League and the EFL have reportedly reached an agreement over the FA's proposed rule change for transfer deadline day this summer.
Unlike in previous years, it has already been confirmed that there will be two transfer windows this summer.
The first of those will open on June 1 and close on June 10, to allow for clubs competing in the Club World Cup to sign new players.
The second window, meanwhile, will last between June 16 and September 1 - a more traditional set of timings.
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But the FA have long been considering a surprise rule change that would see the end of transfer deadline day brought forward, according to the Daily Mail.
It is reported that the Premier League and the EFL have backed proposals for the window to shut at 7pm instead of 11pm, in order to ensure a 'more normal working pattern' for staff.
There are said to be some concerns, however, that clubs may not be able to get all their business completed within the new timeframe - though it could be argued that the planned change will reduce the reliance on teams being required to complete signings on deadline day in the first place.
The Mail add that no official decision has been made by the FA yet and that the cut-off time for paperwork to be submitted to the FA could be set as 7pm.
Another option being discussed, it is claimed, is for Premier League clubs to be able to loan their players out to clubs in the three EFL divisions outside of the set transfer windows.
The previous system, which allowed EFL clubs to sign loan players both from other EFL sides and Premier League clubs, was popular among fans as it allowed clubs to cover for injury crises and other availability issues, as well as simply to strengthen the squad for a promotion push or to avoid relegation.
However, the system was scrapped completely in 2016 and there have since been repeated calls to bring it back.
Topics: EFL Championship, FA, Premier League, Transfers, Football
Ryan Smart