When does the transfer window open and close? Key dates for Birmingham City's summer business

Even before Birmingham City kicked their final ball of last season transfer speculation had started to swirl up around Blues’ players. Departures here, signings there, contract options triggered, others not, professional contracts offered, the chatter has only intensified.

However, as things currently stand Blues have much to do to underpin Lee Bowyer’s squad in the coming months. Eight players departed St Andrew’s in all – including senior pros Kristian Pedersen, Jeremie Bela and Connal Trueman.

Pedersen’s departure has seen them left with only George Friend as an established, senior, left-sided defender – and that’s not the only position which requires depth or arguably a new front-line starter. Equally there are some players which are surplus to requirements as Blues try to reallocate their budget.

Bowyer has already tried to manage expectations on the transfer front saying: “The most important thing is we try and deal for next season, yes it’s difficult from what I understand there will be no money to spend and we will have to cut back again."

These are the key dates for Blues’ business

Clubs across the Premier League and EFL will be able to get down to business starting on Friday, June 10. When it comes to international deals, though they will not go through until Friday, July 1 which is when most deals and contracts turn over into another season.

Blues will be able to make signings right up to the deadline on Thursday, September 1 at 11pm. With no major international competition to contend with this summer, it should be more straightforward to get moves for players over the line, once the Nations League break ends. Deadline day in England has been brought in line with other top European leagues.

Of course,