Manchester United 'want summer transfer window extended'

Manchester United are reportedly among a host of Premier League sides attempting to put league chiefs under pressure to push the summer transfer window deadline to the end of August.

A number of clubs were left frustrated this year as the cut-off date for transfers was set to August 9, meaning that top-flight teams had to finalise their squads before a ball had been kicked.

According to the Daily Mail, however, Man United are leading a move to force league officials to return to the old format from next year, preventing foreign clubs from swooping for the top stars.

A source at an elite club is quoted by the publication as saying: "If Chelsea had lost Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, they would not have been able to replace him.

"Moves are often triggered when the selling club know they have a replacement lined up and that also affected the number of deals done. This put English clubs at a disadvantage."

A vote is expected to be held in November to determine how many Premier League clubs are in favour of a return to the end-of-August deadline.