Early close for summer transfer window

This summer's transfer window will close five hours earlier than normal in a bid to help clubs taking part in the Champions League.

English teams usually have until 11pm to sign players for the first part of the season, but the Football League have moved to set a 6pm deadline on September 1.

The change has been made to allow Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United more time to finalise their Champions League squads before the 11pm deadline.

With less time to negotiate late deals, the move could lead to less activity on deadline day.