The Manchester City Project

Joleon Lescott has been left out of the Everton Squad to face Coventry today and Newcastle United has rejected a £10 million offer for Sebastien Bassong from Tottenham Hotspur.

Amid reports today that Joleon Lescott is to hand in a transfer request to facilitate a move to Manchester City Everton has omitted the talented defender from their preseason match against Coventry.

David Moyes has spoken publicly today regarding Manchester City’s pursuit of the player, saying: ''It's all about respect between clubs and managers, and also about style. City aren't showing any.'' Previously silent on the issue, Moyes statement could well signal frustration at the very real prospect of losing his star defender. Despite Everton’s official line that Lescott is carrying a knock it would appear that coupled with Moyes’ statement a final decision could be made on the player’s future shortly.

Newcastle have also rejected a bid from Spurs for their defender Bassong who has also been on City’s wish list if the Lescott transfer was to fail. Spurs attempt for Bassong could well push Manchester City into forcing the issue over Lescott; otherwise they could fear losing out on their next target if Spurs enter an improved offer.

However Newcastle are in no rush to sell one of their better players and can hold out for an improved offer from either Spurs or Manchester City.