Manchester City go over head of David Moyes to sign Everton defender Joleon Lescott

Published 22:13 13/08/09

Manchester City are going over the head of Everton boss David Moyes in a final effort to sign Joleon Lescott.

City have brought in negotiators Kia Joorabchian and Pini Zahavi in an attempt to wield their influence on Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright and Everton's other financial ruler, American-based Robert Earl.

Moyes has rejected defender Lescott's written transfer request and also turned down offers of £15million and £18million from Mark Hughes.

But now Hughes admits that City are still after Lescott yesterday and gave away the club's ploy when he said: "We are still trying to speak to the people who will ultimately make the decision over whether or not the deal continues.

"Those conversations are still to take place but how long they will still be active is open to debate.

"It comes down to the club themselves and if they feel they don't want to do a deal in terms of the players they have they have a right to do that, and we respect that, irrespective of the player himself or how he feels."

Joorabchian and Zahavi have been involved in some of City’s biggest deals including Carlos Tevez and Robinho.

The new approach for Lescott will set Moyes on a collision course with his bosses if the money-men decide to cash in on their 26-year-old England defender at the start of the Premier League season.

City need Lescott badly and sources close to the player reveal he is confident a deal will happen leaving Moyes with just a fortnight to find a replacement before the transfer window closes.

Lescott is due to appear in the Arsenal game tomorrow, but the behind-the-scenes moves are happening so fast that he may yet be sold before then...to spark real strife at Everton.

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