Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has defended his club's pursuit of Everton centre-back Joleon Lescott.

Hughes has had two bids rejected for Lescott, with City's interest heavily criticised by Everton boss David Moyes.

"We feel we are doing things the right way and through the proper channels," explained Hughes.

"I'm not surprised David feels a bit aggrieved with the situation, you always are when a big club is trying to sign one of your best players."

Hughes, who has already spent heavily to bring Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to Eastlands in the close season, insists the Sky Blues have acted appropriately with Everton over the England centre-half.

Lescott was far from his best in the 6-1 defeat by Arsenal

The Toffees have turned down a transfer request from the unsettled Lescott, 26, while bids of £15m and £18m have been insufficient to prise the player from Merseyside.

Moyes had earlier criticised City for attempting to disrupt Everton's preparations for the new season, saying that the way they have handled their intention to sign Lescott was "disgusting".

"The headlines were quite predictable," Hughes responded, following City's 2-0 opening-day victory at Blackburn.

"At this moment in time our interest is not finished yet.

"I have said before when a deal has run its course we would be prepared to walk away.

At this moment in time our interest is not finished yet Mark Hughes

"I could pick up the phone and ring David very easily. I would ask him whether I could have his player, he would say no and I would have to put the telephone down. What would be the point of that?

"The thing is we haven't put this into the public domain. Everton did that on their website."

Lescott played for Everton on Saturday as they were thrashed 6-1 by Arsenal at Goodison Park.

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