Manchester United are among a number of Premier League clubs who have reservations about closing the transfer window before the start of the season.

The Daily Telegraph revealed earlier this week that plans are well advanced and already at “approval level” in a huge development for English football which is likely to be implemented next year.

However while it appears the majority of clubs are set to back the move – and the Football League has already announced it is considering following the Premier League’s lead – there are serious concerns. Watford are one club who will oppose it.

Chief among those concerns are the possible competitive disadvantage English clubs will face over the rest of Europe especially those clubs who are involved in European competition with overseas clubs still able to trade – including buying players from the Premier League – up until the window closes at the end of August.

If, for example, United are in the Champions League then they may face a club who after being drawn against them in the group stages – the draw takes place before the window closes – are able to alter their squad accordingly. United would not be able to make any changes, under the proposal, beyond being able to sell players outside of England.