Manchester United and Liverpool set for 'transfer speed dating' during World Cup

Manchester United and Liverpool are among a host of clubs are preparing to attend a large-scale 'transfer speed dating' session as Europe's big leagues go into hibernation for the World Cup.

In all, more than 300 clubs will attend the TransferRoom Summit in Berlin from 14 to 16 November. Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham are also set to send representatives to the event – along with the likes of Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon.

While many of their players are out in Qatar for the World Cup, work very much continues for elite-level clubs – who will be firmly in the process of drawing up their January transfer plans.

TransferRoom CEO Jonas Ankersen has heralded the summit's potential to boost transfer activity in the coming windows. He said:

"The TransferRoom Summit is the perfect opportunity for our members to get down to business and lay the ground for a successful winter window.

"We believe this unique event, in a unique season for football, will drive business in January and beyond."

Europe's top five leagues are among many all over the globe hitting pause this weekend as the world's focus turns to Qatar – where the hosts kick off the World Cup against Ecuador on Sunday, 20 November.

The unprecedented winter tournament will be squeezed into a four-week period instead of the usual five weeks, with the final taking place on Sunday, 18 November.