Deal sheet rules: Sunderland could get extra time to clinch Will Grigg signing

While the transfer window is set to shut at 11pm this evening, Sunderland could have an extra two hours in which to finalise the details of Grigg's transfer.

The Black Cats are in negotiations with Wigan but, with the clock ticking and plenty of paperwork still to be completed, fans may be worrying that an announcement looks unlikely.

But, as per EFL rules, Sunderland can be given until 1am to complete the 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 9pm on transfer deadline day and then must be submitted, fully completed, by 11pm.

Once received and approved by the EFL, clubs can then be granted permission to submit all the required transfer paperwork by a 1am deadline.

It is likely that, with time running out in the window, Sunderland will have to submit such a sheet to finalise the addition of a striker to go alongside the signing of Kazaiah Sterling and Lewis Morgan, which were completed earlier today.

Sunderland and Wigan have previous form for late deals, having done the same for Max Power last window. That signing was eventually made as a loan, with Sunderland completing it as a permanent transfer once the window reopened this month.