oncerns about Mark Hughes:
Man management – One thing we quickly learnt last year was Hughes didn’t have the samba style to win over our Brazilian contingent. A pre-season boot camp (which was noticably less rigorously enforced this year) is his preferred method for bonding. In fairness, he does inspire loyalty from some, notably Ireland and Bellamy, and respect from others. Bellamy in particular has always played his best football under his fellow Welshman.
A place in the top six may have been the target that Khaldoon Al Mubarak officially set at the start of the Summer, but there’s little doubt the new signings are aiming higher. At his unveiling today, Joleon Lescott spoke along similar lines:
“The money doesn’t mean anything to the players – we just want to be part of something successful here.
“Everyone outside top four are aiming for the same thing. I think Man City are better equipped to do that …
Last night the left-sided centre-half Mark Hughes has been craving all Summer was finally confirmed as a City player. The 27 year-old England international signed a five-year deal, which is standard for deals of this size.
After agreement with Everton was confirmed on Sunday, there was a delay which appeared similar to that in the Adebayor deal. It’s part of modern football at this level that agents, player representatives, dealmakers – call them what you will, all strive hard to …
According to Sky Sports, Joleon Lescott has passed his medical at Spire Hospital in Whalley Range. Photos of him in a light blue shirt on the official site could be appearing shortly…
City have confirmed that an agreement has been reached with Everton for the transfer of Joleon Lescott.
Sky Sports News have stated that the player has already completed part of his medical. If the remainder is completed tomorrow (Monday) and personal terms agreed, then the long running transfer could finally be concluded by the end of the day.
The fee has yet to be confirmed. Estimates vary from £22m to £24m, an undoubtedly huge sum for a player who is not an …
Latest news from the Everton site says that Everton have rejected a formal transfer request from Joleon Lescott.
The player has subsequently submitted a written request to leave the Club which manager David Moyes immediately rejected.
“I have always said that we are not selling any players and that hasn’t changed,” said Moyes.
There’s little more the player can do now. It’s a big step for Lescott as I guess this would have waived any right he had to a loyalty bonus and …
Surely it can’t be true, but if you read this morning’s newspaper headlines you’d be forgiven for thinking we were about to do deals for each of the left-sided central defenders.
To add to the confusion, the stories come from three of the more reliable City writers. Ian Ladyman has an EXCLUSIVE in the Mail that we’re set to sign Lescott:
Sportsmail believes the transfer will be completed in the next 36 hours.
After privately declaring the move all but dead over the …
By all accounts Joleon Lescott received a great reception from Everton fans last night in their friendly against Malaga. Lescott played the full 90 minutes and heard his name being sung at the end.
David Moyes added:
“The crowd gave Joleon Lescott a good reaction because they understand that what we are doing is right.
“We’ve been very consistent on this and said Joleon would not be sold. I cannot comment any further than that.”
There’s been speculation that City may make a final …
According to several reports Joleon Lescott yesterday asked to be allowed to speak to City in a meeting with David Moyes. Whether this is going to be enough to enable City to complete the signing of our first choice target for the left-sided centre-back position remains to be seen.
Moyes, as we’ve come to expect, is still against the idea and Bill Kenwright is unlikely to go against the wishes of his manager or the clubs supporters. It looks like Lescott …
A report in today’s MEN and a footnote in The Times both claim City have lined up either Chelsea’s Alex or Newcastle’s Sebastien Bassong as an alternative to Joleon Lescott.
The Times:
The Times understands that Sébastien Bassong, the Newcastle United defender, or Alex, the Chelsea centre back, are being lined up as alternative targets.
MEN:
The Blues are preparing bids for Newcastle’s Sebastien Bassong and Chelsea’s Alex after Everton firmly rejected an improved £18m bid for England defender Lescott.
It makes sense …
