Roy Hodgson: Wrap transfers up quickly

England Manager Roy Hodgson talks to the media during an England press conference at Wembley Stadium on August 27, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

England boss Roy Hodgson has called on Premier League clubs to wrap up their transfer business by the time the Three Lions meet at St George’s Park on Monday afternoon.

The England squad will round up early next week before their important World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine.

Hodgson surprised many by handing call ups to Tottenham Hotspur youngster Andros Townsend and Everton’s Ross Barkley.

However, with the transfer window closing on Monday night and Leighton Baines, Jermaine Defoe and Wayne Rooney linked with moves; the England boss has asked his club counterparts to act fast.

“We will co-operate with the clubs, of course, but we will be asking them to co-operate with us as well because if it is at all possible to get your business done before 12pm on September 1, we would be very grateful.

“We will be expecting clubs to understand that when we take players with us.

“I am happy with my co-operation with managers, I am pretty sure it won’t lead to any problems.”

Hodgson pledged his support to keeper Joe Hart who has come under heavy criticism recently.

“I fully support him. He is still my number one choice because he is the number one goalkeeper,” he said.