Players will get on with it

FORMER Manchester United and Latics defender Denis Irwin is adamant David Moyes’ squad will not be affected by the transfer speculation swirling round them.

In addition to the saga surrounding Wayne Rooney, a bid for Cesc Fabregas has been lodged and the

unscheduled return to Europe “on transfer business” of executive vice–chairman Ed Woodward has coincided with more talk that a move for Tottenham’s Gareth Bale is imminent.

Uncertainty in the United camp would be understandable, but Irwin, travelling with the club to Australia and the Far East, insists that won’t be the case.

“There will always be loads of speculation,” said Irwin. “It’s part and parcel of being a footballer at a top club. My thoughts were just to get my head down and work as hard as possible. David Moyes has said Wayne Rooney is not going anywhere and there will always be talk about who United are bringing in.

“The players will just ignore it really.”

For the first time, Moyes has admitted publicly a bid for Fabregas has been lodged and while Barcelona have stated their intention to keep the former Arsenal skipper, it is understood United have been given encouragement to think they can tempt the midfielder.

Bale would obviously be hugely expensive, while Rooney’s situation is a bit of a soap opera in itself.



MANCHESTER City will make Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic their fourth high-profile signing of the summer today, providing he passes a medical.