Louis Saha does not believe Joleon Lescott has done anything wrong in asking to leave Everton and has called on his team-mates to focus on matters on the pitch.
Lescott is looking to quit Goodison Park following interest from Manchester City and recently saw a transfer request turned down by Toffees boss David Moyes.
City have had two offers for the England international rejected over the summer and are tipped to make a renewed bid before the close of the transfer window.
Moyes left Lescott out of his plans for the Europa League win over Sigma Olomouc on Thursday night after being disappointed by the defender's attitude.
However, the Everton boss remains hopeful of keeping hold of the former Wolves defender, despite conceding that the 27-year-old has his price.
The situation has also led to Moyes claiming it has disrupted his preparations for the new season, but Saha feels the players should not be affected by the issue.
The French striker has no problems with Lescott's desire to secure a move to City and does not believe the matter should be used as an excuse for last week's 6-1 home defeat by Arsenal.
"I don't think he's doing anything wrong," Saha told Sky Sports News.
"All I'm saying is I do think as a professional we should concentrate on our job and that's a tricky situation for him and the club.
"We should have done better in the game on Saturday and have nothing to do with what's going on in the papers."
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