Everton have turned down a formal
transfer request from defender Joleon Lescott.
The centre-back has been targeted by
Manchester City
this summer, with the big-spending Eastlands outfit seeing two bids
rejected.
Toffees boss
David Moyes
has always made it clear that he is determined to retain the
services of the England international.
And despite
Lescott
now revealing he wants to leave
Goodison Park,
the Scot is refusing to be swayed from his stance.
Moyes told his club's official website: "I have always
said that we are not selling any players and that hasn't
changed."
City put in an initial bid of £15million as they look to bring
in further defensive reinforcements, before seeing a second offer
of £18million also knocked back.
Eastlands boss
Mark Hughes
has already signed Ivory Coast international Kolo Toure from
Arsenal, but identified Lescott as another target after missing out
on Chelsea captain
John Terry.
The former Wolves player, who is currently away on international
duty preparing for Wednesday's friendly against Holland, moved to
Goodison Park in a £6million deal in June 2006.
Lescott, whose current contract runs until the summer of 2012,
has been an integral part of Everton's defence since his move to
Merseyside.
While Moyes remains adamant that the centre-back will not be
leaving, Lescott's desire to move on and City's vast financial
resources mean that the latest development is unlikely to be the
end of the saga.
skysports.