'Exceptional' time to make summer deals

NEITHER Everton nor Liverpool are competing in the expanded Club World Cup next month.

- By MATTHEW ABBOTT

However, the expanded tournament in the United States will still affect both clubs this summer.

That is because FIFA have moved the competition from its typical place on the calendar, either February or December, to June and July.

This year’s tournament begins on 14 June, with the final scheduled five weeks later on 13 July.

That start date, though, clashes with the usual transfer window opening.

Therefore, an additional window will now take place, affording clubs another ten days to do deals before the Club World Cup begins.