How Middlesbrough could get extra time to secure Ravel Morrison deal from Sheffield United

While the January transfer window is set to slam shut at 11pm this evening, Boro could have an extra two hours in which to finalise the details of a further incoming.

Sheffield United playmaker Ravel Morrison, 26, is closing in on a loan move to the Riverside, with Boro head coach Jonathan Woodgate looking to bolster his attacking options following Patrick Roberts’ hamstring injury.

EFL rules state that Boro and their Championship rivals have until 1am to complete their transfer dealing - providing that the club have submitted a 'Deal Sheet' by 11pm.

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 the 11pm deadline.

Once received and approved by the EFL, clubs can then be granted permission to submit all the required transfer paperwork by a 11pm deadline.

Boro have already completed the signing of defender Harold Moukoudi and will also be able to sign players who are free agents after the window slams shut tonight.