Joleon Lescott has supported the idea of Premier League clubs not being able to sign new players once the new season is underway in the summer.

As things stand, all clubs can buy and sell players until the deadline passes at midnight on August 31, but top-flight teams are expected to vote on proposed changes to these rules.

The changes would forbid Premier League teams from signing players after the start of a new season, though they would still be able to sell players, and there would be no rule changes regarding the transfer window in January.

Former Everton and Manchester City centre-back Lescott told Sky Sports News: "It would make sense. It would give teams more chance to get organised before the start of the season.

"Most managers want their squads in place before the first game. It can be disruptive otherwise. Cutting that out would be good."

Recalling his own transfer from Everton to Man City in 2009, 10 days after the new season began, he said: "I wanted it sorted as soon as possible. David Moyes was furious but they managed to bring in Sylvain Distin in time."

A total of 14 out of the 20 Premier League clubs would need to vote in favour of the changes for them to be ratified.