DAVID MOYES’S irritation with Mark Hughes erupted again yesterday when he accused Manchester City of seeking to destabilise Everton with their relentless pursuit of Joleon Lescott. He also insisted City’s handling of the transfer saga had destroyed any chance they had of signing the England international this summer.
The Everton manager, who hopes to conclude a season-long loan deal for the Valencia midfielder Ever Banega this weekend, has rejected bids of €17.5 million and €21 million in recent weeks from City plus a verbal and written transfer request from Lescott.
Moyes values the defender, who turns 27 tomorrow, at around the €35 million mark, but may be reluctant to sell even at that price due to the lack of time and options remaining in this transfer window.
Moyes has complete control over transfer strategy at Everton and was therefore surprised by Hughes’s insistence that a deal for Lescott remains possible as “(City) are still trying to speak to the people who will ultimately make the decision over whether or not the deal continues”.
That prompted an indignant response from Moyes, who claimed he has not had any contact from City.
“The dialogue has not taken place with Manchester City and Everton in the way that it is said to be. If it was, the dialogue would come to me,” he said. “There has been no contact with me. I’m the person here who makes the decisions. I’m in control of Everton. There has not been one call.
“We have got a player who we really value and we want to keep. We think the world of him and he can play two positions. We don’t want to lose him.”
There is doubt over whether the England defender will start this evening’s fixture against Arsenal.
Moyes is unhappy with the bids from City and their timing, citing Real Madrid’s willingness to meet Manchester United’s €95 million asking price for Cristiano Ronaldo as better business.
“Real Madrid gave Manchester United the opportunity to spend the money or do what they want with the finances. That has not been the way this has gone about,” insisted Moyes.
“We had the first offer of €17.5 million four weeks ago – the day before we played Rochdale (July 17th). The second bid was on July 29th. The business was very late coming and not at the price. What did they pay for Gareth Barry, €14 million? And how long did he have left on his contract? Twelve months. How many months has Joleon Lescott got left? Thirty-six months.”
Moyes believes City hope to destabilise Everton, fifth for the past two seasons. He added: “We are their rivals. We have got to do what is right for our football club. What is right for us at this moment in time is that Joleon Lescott stays.”
