English Football League clubs have indicated that they would be in favour of closing the summer transfer window early as of next season.

The plan was discussed at a meeting of all 72 EFL clubs on Thursday and will be put to a formal vote in February 2018.

Premier League clubs have already voted to close the summer transfer window before the 2018-19 season starts.

The EFL's approach would differ from that of the top flight, however, in that the existing window would be shortened, but clubs would still be allowed to sign players on loan until August 31.

This summer, 215 player loans took place into EFL clubs, with 102 of those loans completed after the start of the season.

EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey told the organisation's official website: "Today was all about understanding a direction of travel in what is a hugely emotive matter, not only for clubs and managers but supporters as well.

"The clubs have been clear in their mandate and we will now go away and look to develop a set of proposals before moving this matter on to the next stage, which would be a formal vote in order to change our regulations."

The Premier League window will close on the Thursday before the top-flight season begins, but no date has been given for a proposed EFL deadline.