Everton snub Man City Lescott bid

By Phil McNulty

Everton's Lescott is a target for Manchester City

Everton have turned down an offer from Manchester City for Joleon Lescott.

City tabled a £15m bid for the 26-year-old defender on Thursday as they hope to pair him with England and Chelsea captain John Terry.

But Everton backed up manager David Moyes' declaration that he will not sell his high-profile players by rejecting the offer out of hand.

And it may be down to Lescott to force the issue if he wishes to join City's other expensive summer signings.

Moyes assured shareholders at a forum at Goodison Park on Wednesday that none of his players are for sale.

He said: "I have already said there will be no players sold at Everton and I do not feel I need to say any more.

"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."

606: DEBATE

It's got to be more than £15m

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Chairman Bill Kenwright supported his manager, adding: "There is no pressure on David to sell anyone. Any decisions are his and his alone."

Chief executive Robert Elstone said: "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 had three successful seasons at Everton since joining from Wolves in a £5m deal but City are homing in on him as their next big-money buy after landing midfielder Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz and £25.5m Carlos Tevez.

Moyes, backed by Kenwright, is ready to block any offer and the crucial move may lie with Lescott and whether he prefers the greater riches on offer at Eastlands.

Moyes will also be reluctant to weaken further in central defence, with Lescott's fellow England international Phil Jagielka not expected to return until November after knee surgery.