Last Updated: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:31
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has admitted Sunderland's interest in Lee Cattermole is affecting the player amid reports of a £10m bid.
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is keen to land the England Under-21 international again and wants to sign him this year after securing his services for Latics last summer from Middlesbrough for £3.5million.
The move has reached a deadlock, however, in the last week with Wigan desperate to keep hold of the talented midfielder who is tipped to have a very bright future in the game.
And Martinez admits the speculation over his future is a distraction to the club and the player himself on the eve of the new Premier League season.
"It's unsettling and it's very difficult for any human being to deal with," said the Spaniard.
"When you're young it is even harder to deal with.
"It's the nature of the game, but what you don't want is uncertainty."
He added: "You need to know where you stand and have players that are focused and working to high standards."