Manchester City vow to buy whoever it takes to break into Big Four

Premier League predators Manchester City were last night prowling English football for their next target after capturing Emmanuel Adebayor.

Everton became the latest club to defy City's financial firepower by rejecting a £15million bid for defender Joleon Lescott.

And Chelsea are trying to play English football's latest arrivals at Millionaire's Row at their own game by privately maintaining it would take a ludicrous fee to land their England captain John Terry.

But both clubs are well aware that with defence a priority for City, money will eventually talk and that they may well have to listen.

Indeed City chief executive Garry Cook maintained last night that the club are willing to do whatever it takes to leapfrog the likes of Everton and break into the top four.

He said: This is not about spending, we are investing in the future of the football club.

"These are the types of player you have to get if you are going to compete with the top four."

Cook was speaking after new signings Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz arrived in South Africa to join the rest of the City squad.

City will play Soweto outfit Orlando Pirates in the opening match of their tour this afternoon.

They are set to be joined soon by Adebayor after he became the latest recruit to the Blue Revolution yesterday.

And they may yet be joined by Lescott despite Everton boss David Moyes insisting to a shareholders' meeting on Wednesday night that the former Wolves defender is not for sale.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright backed up his manager on Thursday by insisting Moyes has the last word on all transfers at Goodison Park.

But City's move to carry on regardless - they are expected to increase their bid over the next few days - has evoked memories of Chelsea's Premier League transfer blitz six years ago which led to their first titles at Stamford Bridge for half a century.

Lescott has known for weeks about City's interest and, although he is not about to force the issue, the centreback is well aware his England chances could improve considerably if he were to form a solid partnership alongside the national captain at club level.

Barry last night hit back at Rafa Benitez's claim his move was motivated by money.

The bitter Liverpool boss hit out at the midfielder after failing to persuade him that his future lay on Merseyside.

Barry, however, has insisted that the players City have signed proves he didn't join for the wages - but for ambition. Barry said: "There was maybe a bit of frustration. It was well documented Liverpool were in the market to sign me.

"Villa agreed a fee with City, and once I had spoken to the manager (Mark Hughes) I was satisfied.

"As the chief executive said, it is not about money but investing in players, and looking at the players that are joining City, I believe my decision was the correct one."

He added: "All the players are delighted to be in South Africa.

"We are building up to the Premier League season. The standard of football in South Africa is very high.

"And fingers crossed we'll be here again with England for the World Cup finals next year."

Adebayor's Mega Deal Transfer fee: £22 m 'Loyalty' bonus: £2.2m Player's wages: £170,000 a week Agent's fee: £1m