What is a deal sheet? Can Leeds United make signings…

What is a deal sheet? Can Leeds United make signings after 11pm on transfer deadline day?

Leeds United are in a race against time to complete their transfer business for the remainder of the Premier League season.

Jesse Marsch's side have seen the arrival of Max Wober and Georginio Rutter this month but are still looking for ways to strengthen their squad. Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie appears to be on his way to Elland Road on an initial loan deal with an option to buy, according to reports.

With other top-flight clubs bolstering their squads in January, Leeds know that one more signing can make all the difference come the end of the season. Although an incredibly stressful time for clubs and players, transfer deadline day brings an air of excitement for fans that simply cannot be matched.

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Every club would rather have their business wrapped up well in advance, but should a team find themselves fighting against the clock, there are specific rules regarding what they can and cannot do beyond the deadline.

With that in mind, we have explained the process that Leeds and other Premier League clubs will have to follow should they wish to register a new signing beyond the deadline.

When does the January transfer window shut?

The winter window slams shut on Tuesday, January 31 at 11pm (GMT).

Any player that Leeds wish to sign will have to be registered ahead of the deadline. However, there is a loophole that allows clubs to confirm a signing after the window closes - using something called a deal sheet.

What is a deal sheet?

Should clubs wish to sign a player beyond 11pm, they will have to fill in and submit a completed form, known as a deal sheet.

The form allows clubs to confirm that a deal has been reached and allows both sides extra time to complete the necessary paperwork associated with the transfer. Deal sheets can only be submitted within the last two hours of the window, meaning that they will come in to force from 9pm on Tuesday, up until 11pm.

How much time does a deal sheet give a club?

Once the completed sheet arrives, clubs have another two hours - until 1am - in which to submit the full paperwork.

For international transfers, the timing is not quite as flexible; teams have to comply with the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS) which allows another hour, giving a deadline of midnight.

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