Man City tranfer target Joleon Lescott
DOB 16 Aug 1982 POB England Pos. Defender Club Everton Hgt 6.02

Manchester City are ready to test Everton's resolve to keep Joleon Lescott by lodging a £15m bid for the England defender this week.

Lescott, an integral part of David Moyes's team since arriving for £5m from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2006, is the main defensive target for Mark Hughes as he looks to rebuild with proven Premier League talent for next season.

Having secured Roque Santa Cruz for £17m this week, and with Carlos Tevez unable to commit to his next move until his Manchester United contract expires on 30 June, City will intensify their efforts to sign Lescott with their first official approach to Everton.

The Goodison Park club have repeatedly insisted that none of their main assets are for sale this summer but Lescott, who could double his current £40,000-a-week wage at City, may insist on a transfer. City's opening gambit of £15m, however, is likely to be rejected by Everton.