David Moyes wants reunion with Man City defender Joleon Lescott
Published:Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott may switch back to former club Everton during the January transfer window.
The 30-year-old is currently being frozen out of the starting line-up at Eastlands by coach Roberto Mancini, and may welcome a return to the Toffees.
Lescott controversially moved from Everton to City for around £22m in August 2009, after spending three successful seasons on Merseyside.
At the time Everton boss David Moyes was outraged at the Citizens pursuit of Lescott, and said he was disappointed in the player for leaving the club.
But over three years on, Moyes holds no grudges with the 23-cap Englishman, and claims if City were to let the centre-back go then he would be keep on a reunion at Goodison Park.
The Scottish manager told reporters, “If Joleon wanted to come back, if I thought we needed him, I’d be delighted to have him back. I’d have no problem having Joleon back.
“I’ve not thought about it but if he was available then I think he’d be someone I would maybe show an interest in.”
Any move is likely to be on a loan basis, given Everton’s financial situation, while even a temporary switch might not be granted by the powers that be at City.
Lescott’s team-mate Kolo Toure – being equally frozen out at the club – will be missing in the New Year as he heads of to the African Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast.
And with captain Vincent Kompany carrying knocks whilst playing alongside 19-year-old summer signing Matija Nastasić, Mancini may want to keep Lescott as cover.
But having been left out of the last two matchday squads – against Chelsea and Wigan – Lescott may be keen to move quickly to stay in the thoughts of England boss Roy Hodgson.
Hodgson is a big fan of Lescott, having selected him in all four England matches at Euro 2012 as well as starting the Birmingham-born stopped in three World Cup qualifiers this campaign.
Turning 31 next year, the Sky Blues number six will appreciate his time at the highest level will not last forever, and might want the safety of guaranteed playing time at club level to help extend his Three Lions career.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
