Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe admits transfer speculation can unsettle a player.

The 35-year-old admits the rumours and gossip about a player's future can be "awkward".

"I have had that before when you have been linked with a club and you are actually at the training ground and it [Sky Sports News] is on in the background," he told Sky Sports.

"It is awkward. You can be in the canteen and something will come up.

"The lads will just give you banter. You come in the next day and they say: 'Oh, are you still here?'

"As a player if you are linked with another club, until you leave and the fees are agreed and you are given permission to talk to the other club, you have to remain professional.

"You see it on the tele and you sort of laugh it off, but it is exciting."