The EFL transfer loophole that will give clubs longer to sign Newcastle United fringe players

While the transfer window is set to slam shut at 5pm this evening, clubs could have an extra two hours in which to finalise the details of any further incomings.

Steve Bruce, speaking earlier today, fears that Newcastle United won’t move out a clutch of players set to miss out on places in his 25-man Premier League squad.

Bruce wants to move out Christian Atsu, Achraf Lazaar, Rolando Aarons and Henri Saivet before today’s domestic transfer deadline. However, the club, which has signed four players, hasn’t had much interest in them.

“It’s been very quiet,” said United’s head coach. “You can never say never. We’ve had one or two enquiries, but that’s about it. Disappointing for the lads, who obviously need to play.”

As per EFL rules, clubs can be given until 7pm to complete a deal - providing that the club have submitted a 'Deal Sheet'.

These sheets provide details of the impending transfer and confirm that an agreement has been reached, before providing clubs with extra time in which to submit all the required documentation.

The details required on this sheet are fairly basic and amount to the clubs and player involved and the fee being paid, if there is one.

Deal sheets cannot be requested until 3pm on transfer deadline day and then must be submitted, fully completed, by 5pm.

Once received and approved by the EFL, clubs can then be granted permission to submit all the required transfer paperwork by a 7pm deadline.

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