Man City's Transfer Swoop For Everton's Lescott Blasted By Moyes

Everton have refused a £15million bid from Manchester City for England defender Joleon Lescott.

The 26-year-old former Wolverhampton Wanderers youth star has been an integral part of Everton manager David Moyes’ plans and Moyes is reluctant to even negotiate a deal.

Moyes, speaking to shareholders at a meeting at Goodison Park on Wednesday, was adamant that no Everton players will be leaving the club in the summer transfer window.

“I have already said there will be no players sold at Everton and I do not feel I need to say any more,” said Moyes.

“The board have never sold a player from me, it will only be at my discretion. I said it at the end of the season and I do not need to say any more.”

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright added: “There is no pressure on David to sell anyone. Any decisions are his and his alone.”

Chief executive Robert Elstone reiterated their stance, saying: “As a club, we have publicly stated, as recently as Wednesday night, that we do not intend selling any players.

“David Moyes’ primary focus is on building a squad so that we can continue to compete effectively in what is the most competitive League in world football.”

Lescott has spent seasons at Everton since joining from Wolves in a £5million deal in 2006, has become an integral part of The Toffees’ central defence, plus has also made the full England squad, making seven appearances for England’s Three Lions.

But Manchester City, who are also hoping to lure England and Chelsea captain John Terry to Eastlands, will be able to offer Lescott a substantial pay increase, plus the chance to be involved in the current revolution at Man City.

City are showing a huge amount of intent, with City boss Mark Hughes having already secured the transfers of Gareth Barry and Stuart Taylor from Aston Villa, Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn Rovers and former Manchester United and West Ham striker Carlos Tevez this summer, with many more big-name signings expected in the coming weeks.

But, crucially, despite the Everton boards reluctance to lose their star defender, it is ultimately Lescott’s decision whether he wants to leave Goodison Park.