Transfer targeted players have been warned against going on strike by the Professional Footballers’ Association.
Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, wanted by Chelsea, refused to play in Tuesday night’s Carling Cup win over Shrewsbury, angering manager Tony Pulis.
And PFA deputy chief executive Bobby Barnes insists players must continue to be fulfil their duties until a transfer is completed.
Barnes told Sky Sports News: “You can understand Tony’s anger because he wants to be able to pick all the players that are available to him.
“I think it’s important for a player to realise he has a commitment to the club that’s paying his wages.
“Until such a time as a deal is made for you to play for somebody else, any player has the obligation to keep giving his best with the club he’s currently at.
“It wouldn’t be in the player’s interest of the club’s interest to say, ‘I’m not going to play’. The club could fine him. We don’t want to reach that situation.
“We’d hope to reach a situation where both parties are happy moving forward.”
And he went on to add: “I don’t know the details of the Begovic case but it obviously isn’t ideal when a player refuses to fulfil the terms of his contract.
“I can’t help but think somewhere in the background there’s perhaps an agent whispering in the player’s ear saying, ‘we don’t want you to be cup-tied to prevent a potential move’.”