Premiership clubs have agreed to allow transfer payments to be spread over the length of a player's contract in a move which could cut the number of foreign imports.
The change was agreed at the summer meeting of Premier League club chairmen on Friday in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, following a proposal by Everton.
In the past Premiership clubs have been forced to pay 50% of transfers from other English sides up front and 50% within 12 months.
With the rules in France, Spain and Italy allowing fees to be paid off over several years, many managers have found it easier to look abroad in the past.
A Premier League spokesman said: "Payments for transfer fees can now be spread over the length of a player's contract, so if the contract is for five years then the fee can be spread over that time.
"It will bring it into line with the foreign market. If you can do that with players from Italy or Spain it seems only sensible to be able to do it with players from England as well.
"And it should make it more attractive to managers to buy English-based players.
"However, this does not stop clubs asking for payment all up front or within 12 months if they wish to do so, it just gives them the option of spreading it out."
Meanwhile, a proposal to allow loan transfers between Premiership clubs was also agreed at the meeting.
Loans will only be allowed within the transfer windows up to a maximum of four per season.
Clubs will only be allowed two loan signings from other Premier League sides at any one time, although there will be an allowance made to sign goalkeepers in an emergency.
Source bbc