Extended transfer window being mooted as Portsmouth await key decision

UEFA has recommended that domestic leagues shut their windows no later than Monday, October 5 – a fortnight before the group stages of the 2020-21 Champions League and Europa League are due to begin.

The Premier League is set to follow that guidance for international deals and transfers between top-flight clubs.

But representatives of the 20 top-flight sides have discussed a two-week extension for deals involving the EFL, allowing clubs like Pompey to conduct their business up to Monday, October 19.

Club bosses gathered via video conference for a shareholders' meeting today, but no decision was reached on the start and end date for the summer transfer window, which has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

A decision on dates will be taken on or before the next shareholders' meeting on Friday, July 24, which is two days before the scheduled end of the 2019-20 Premier League season.

Pompey today began to process of preparing for next season by announcing their retained list.

Brett Pitman and Oli Hawkins were among six players who have now officially left the club, with the Blues keen to talk new deals with fellow out-of-contract players Lee Brown and Brandon Haunstrup.

However, the latter is being heavily linked with Kilmarnock, while Bristol Rovers remain keen.

Manager Kenny Jackett told The News this week that he possessed the nucleus of a good squad that should see the Blues compete for promotion again next season,

He also revealed that he hopes to utilise some of his younger players more in the future.

However, that hasn’t stopped Pompey plotting a move to bring Cameron McGeehan back to Fratton Park on a permanent deal.

Meanwhile, the Blues will definitely be in the market for defensive reinforcements following Christian Burgess’ exit and Sean Raggett and Steve Seddon both returning to their parent clubs following the expiry of their loans.