Portuguese stars stay focused

Pinto still focused on players such as Hagi

Portuguese stars Joao Pinto, Pauleta and Rui Costa are insisting that doubts about their club future will not affect their performance at the European Championships.

Transfer rumours about these players have been rife, as the Portugal squad try to concentrate on the opening game against England on Monday.

Despite these distractions Costa is firmly focused.

"My life right now is very clearly defined," the Fiorentina midfielder explained.

"I want to do as well as possible for the national team. All these rumours don't affect me in anyway."

I want to do as well as possible for the national team

Joao Pinto

There are reports suggesting that Costa is to leave Fiorentina after six years, with AC Milan as the favourites to claim his signature.

Dismissing Italian media speculation, Costa said the fact he was not renewing a rental agreement on his Florence home did not mean he was leaving the club.

"It has nothing to do with whether I stay with Fiorentina or not, I have to change house, that's all," Costa said.

Pinto has reacted to the news he was being fired by his club Benfica, after a dispute with the Lisbon club's German coach Jupp Heynckes.

Pinto echoed Costa's sentiment emphasising he is not letting his employment prospects interfere with preparations.

"I'm fine. If anything, I'm even more motivated. I'm working with the squad in exactly the same way," Pinto said.

Dismissed talk

Deportivo La Coruna's star striker Pauleta has dismissed talk of him leaving the newly crowned Spanish champions.

"Right now I'm with the national squad as a Deportivo player, I'm happy to be at Deportivo," Pauleta insisted.

With the England game just a few days away the players appear to be fully focused on the job in hand.

Costa said: "We've got many weapons in our armoury to use against England.

"We have to respect them, but we shouldn't be scared of them."