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Platt urges players to ignore Tevez row

Carlos Tevez wants out of Manchester City © PA Photos

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Manchester City coach David Platt insists Carlos Tevez's shock demand for a transfer won't be a distraction in Monday's clash against Everton.

Just when it appeared City's season was heading in the right direction, the Premier League's biggest spenders were left rocked by Tevez's transfer request this week. The Tevez furore was the last thing manager Roberto Mancini needed having pushed his side into third place - just two points behind leaders Arsenal.

The Argentinian striker, who has held crunch talks over his future with Mancini, is expected to start against Everton on Monday despite making it clear he wants to leave in the January transfer window due to disagreements with the club's hierarchy.

Tevez has scored 39 goals in 60 appearances since his controversial move from rivals Manchester United, and Platt admitted he is a key player whom the club do not want to lose. But Platt, Mancini's assistant, is confident the Tevez saga will not affect the team's performance.

"I think players keep themselves in a bubble," Platt said. "In my experience of professional football they are very resilient. We know there is an issue around the club but it is not an issue that affects what is happening on the pitch. Once they cross that white line they go out and play. I don't think it will be a problem with our on-field stuff."

City certainly need Tevez, who is their top scorer with 10 goals, having taken just 15 points from eight home games this season. Despite their lofty position, amazingly they remain the top flight's joint-lowest scorers at home. They face an Everton side who have been struggling of late, and will be keen to secure some wins before this season's leading goalscorer, Australian Tim Cahill, joins the Socceroos' Asian Cup campaign after the Premier League game at Stoke on New Year's Day.

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