Everton reject Lescott transfer request

Everton have turned down a formal transfer request from defender Joleon Lescott.

The 26-year-old England international has been the subject of two bids from Manchester City in recent weeks but manager David Moyes is determined not to sell.

"I have always said that we are not selling any players and that hasn't changed," Moyes told the club's website, www.evertonfc.com.

Lescott is currently with the England squad preparing for tomorrow's international friendly against Holland in Amsterdam.

City boss mark Hughes is keen to add Lescott to his expensively-assembled squad after failing in a high-profile attempt to prise John Terry away from Chelsea this summer.

Everton's announcement this morning indicates for the first time that Lescott is interested in a move away from Goodison Park. The Merseyside club say they have already turned down bids of £15million and £18million for the player.

Lescott, who joined Everton from Wolves three years ago, is contracted until the end of the 2011-12 season after signing a long-term deal last term.

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