Tuesday 25 August 2015 15:54, UK
England U21 manager Gareth Southgate has warned John Stones and Saido Berahino they may put their development at risk by sealing moves away from their current clubs.
Everton defender Stones has been the subject of three big-money bids from Premier League champions Chelsea this summer, while Tottenham had an £18m offer for Berahino rejected by West Bromwich Albion last week.
West Brom confirmed on Monday night that they had rejected a written request from Berahino, after the 22-year-old had informed them of his desire to leave the club before the close of the summer transfer window on September 1.
Everton have repeatedly insisted that Stones is not for sale and will remain at Goodison Park, where he is contracted to the summer of 2019. Berahino has two years left to run on his current deal at the Hawthorns.
Southgate, who has worked with both players during his time in charge of the U21s, says both players should not underestimate the importance of playing regular first-team football, which may not be guaranteed if they complete moves away from their current clubs.
"The key is initially is that they need to play. So both of those players are currently at clubs where they are playing regularly, which is a great position to be in," Southgate told Sky Sports News HQ.
"Later on there's a moment when the challenge is to play Champions League and international football, and only then, the players and the clubs can decide what moment that should be.
"With the senior team, Roy will want as many of his players playing Champions League football as possible. That's where they test themselves against the very best.
"But with the younger players, they need to play regularly and that should be high on their consideration. I have seen what happens when players are not playing regularly and there's a moment their development dwindles and they don't progress.
"It's a small window of opportunity for them, but they are difficult decisions for the players, the managers and the clubs."
Southgate also spoke of his sympathy for Everton manager Roberto Martinez and West Brom boss Tony Pulis.
"It's a horrible time for Premier League managers, for Tony (Pulis) and Roberto (Martinez) in particular. I've been in that position when at Middlesbrough," he added.
"You were always open to a bid for one of your better players. That's the nature of it and you always have minimal time to get a replacement in if it does happen."
