Radical plans to close the transfer window in the Premier League before the start of next season were hanging in the balance last night, with several clubs reluctant to vote for the change unless other major European leagues followed suit.

Ahead of Thursday's meeting to decide whether to stop top-flight teams buying players once the campaign is under way, Telegraph Sport can reveal at least five sides are considering joining Crystal Palace and Watford in opposing the proposal, despite being in favour of it in principle.

Manchester City, West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Swansea City and promoted Newcastle United all confirmed they wanted the transfer window closed before the start of the season but may not formally endorse moves to do so unless the other major European leagues did the same.

Seven votes against the plan would be enough to bring it down, with such a change requiring more than a two-thirds majority to pass.

Telegraph Sport has canvassed Premier League clubs on where they stand on closing the window before the start of the season, with only three - Southampton, Stoke City and promoted Brighton & Hove Albion - having indicated they were in favour come what may.