GARETH SOUTHGATE has admitted ‘we can’t stop business happening’ after Jadon Sancho’s move to Manchester United was confirmed this week.
The Three Lions boss is eager to avoid distraction as he attempts to lead England to major silverware for the first time since 1966.
But Sancho, 21, hasn’t been negatively affected by this week’s transfer – in fact his training level has gotten even better – with SunSport exclusively revealing that he will be handed a start by Southgate against Ukraine tonight.
Asked by ITV whether the winger’s situation has subdued his efforts, the England boss said: “No, in fact I think Jadon over the last seven days has trained the best level in the time with us.
“You accept there are lots of ongoing transfer situations and nobody is coming in for talks, nobody is going out for talks.
“But we can’t stop people’s phones ringing and we can’t stop business happening outside of that and you just have to trust the players and they’re all very focused.
“I haven’t really had a long discussion with him about it at this moment, because that story’s been going on for 12 months.
“When everything’s confirmed I’m sure I’ll have a chat with him.
“But there’s so much speculation about all of our players, I don’t pick up every little individual piece but I’m checking in with the players every single day to see how they are and the biggest thing is he’s been very focused in his training and that’s been good.”
Man United finally sealed a £73million move for Sancho this week, after over a year of haggling with Borussia Dortmund.
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The former Man City starlet agreed a five year, £350,000-a-week deal at Old Trafford.
And he is after Edinson Cavani’s No7 shirt, as he looks to put the jersey’s ‘curse’ to bed.
A number of other England stars have been linked with transfers this summer.
Harry Kane is reportedly angling for a move to Manchester City, while Jack Grealish is also on Pep Guardiola’s radar.
West Ham star Declan Rice has rejected two contract offers amid Man United and Chelsea interest.
While Kieran Trippier is on the Red Devils’ radar.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
