Warnock - Agents are unsettling the players
Leeds United boss Neil Warnock says he will be glad when the January transfer window is closed because of player agents disrupting his Leeds squad.
Warnock revealed after the game at Barnsley on Saturday that leading goalscorer Luciano Becchio did not have his mind on the game and that his head was being turned.
Becchio has already been linked with a number of clubs during this window and Warnock says he has had a word with the striker as well as other members of the squad following a dismal performance in the 2-0 defeat at Barnsley.
Speaking on LUTV, Warnock said, "We are at a time of the season when agents are getting into players ears, but it cannot affect performances. It is difficult for the staff to carry on if players have had their heads turned.
"You cannot tell me that players were focused on the game on Saturday.
"They should be focused, they are all employed by Leeds United and nobody should be allowing it to affect their performances.
"I am disappointed with one or two of the agents, but I suppose that is their jobs in January to unsettle players and get their pay off.
"I have had a word with one or two of the players, not just Luciano. It is a busy time of the year and the sooner the window closes the better.
"I have told Luciano that he has to put the effort in because we have supported him. He has scored 17 goals this season, so I think we have done our share so he must repay that. I think the fans deserve a performance from him and I think the FA Cup is a great place for him to start.
"I have no idea if he wants to leave but it is his agent that is talking to people at the moment, it is a very difficult period for us all.
"At this moment I have had no bids for any of the players."
Youngsters Sam Byram and Tom Lees have also been linked with moves to the Premier League during this transfer window.
Byram has been linked with half a dozen Premier League clubs, whilst Lees, who won his first caps for the England under 21 squad this season is being linked with Premier League clubs both North and South of the border.
Warnock revealed after the game at Barnsley on Saturday that leading goalscorer Luciano Becchio did not have his mind on the game and that his head was being turned.
Becchio has already been linked with a number of clubs during this window and Warnock says he has had a word with the striker as well as other members of the squad following a dismal performance in the 2-0 defeat at Barnsley.
Speaking on LUTV, Warnock said, "We are at a time of the season when agents are getting into players ears, but it cannot affect performances. It is difficult for the staff to carry on if players have had their heads turned.
"You cannot tell me that players were focused on the game on Saturday.
"They should be focused, they are all employed by Leeds United and nobody should be allowing it to affect their performances.
"I am disappointed with one or two of the agents, but I suppose that is their jobs in January to unsettle players and get their pay off.
"I have had a word with one or two of the players, not just Luciano. It is a busy time of the year and the sooner the window closes the better.
"I have told Luciano that he has to put the effort in because we have supported him. He has scored 17 goals this season, so I think we have done our share so he must repay that. I think the fans deserve a performance from him and I think the FA Cup is a great place for him to start.
"I have no idea if he wants to leave but it is his agent that is talking to people at the moment, it is a very difficult period for us all.
"At this moment I have had no bids for any of the players."
Youngsters Sam Byram and Tom Lees have also been linked with moves to the Premier League during this transfer window.
Byram has been linked with half a dozen Premier League clubs, whilst Lees, who won his first caps for the England under 21 squad this season is being linked with Premier League clubs both North and South of the border.
