Joleon Lescott arrives for Man City medical as defender’s acrimonious £23m switch from Everton is almost complete

He's getting what he wished for... what's the old adage about such things?

The Daily Mail- Joleon Lescott has arrived at Manchester City to undergo a medical as the Everton defender looks set to complete his protracted £23m switch to Eastlands.

Having rejected opening bids of £15m and £18m previously for the England international, Everton finally caved into the relentless pressure of City’s millions and accepted a considerably improved offer on Sunday.

The former Wolves centre-back was dropped by manager David Moyes for the club’s 4-0 Europa League win over Sigma Olomouc last Thursday and was missing from Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at newly promoted Burnley, with the Scot citing poor attitude.

Lescott handed in a transfer request which was initially refused at Goodison Park but now the club have reluctantly agree to part ways with Lescott, making a handsome profit of £18m from the £5m they signed him from Molineux in 2006.

The 27-year-old will become Mark Hughes’ sixth big-money summer signing and the City boss has promised there will be more additions to squad players before the window closes for business with former Arsenal and Barcelona full-back Sylvinho agreeing a one-year deal.

Burnley vs Everton: Match Preview

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This should be a match of two teams coming in with loads of confidence… after thrashing Sigma on Thursday the boys will want to build on that momentum by picking up their first points of the year. Burnely will be equally excited for this fixture after beating the defending champs in their midweek match. Robbie Blake gave the Clarets a dream home debut in the EPL as his stunning volley was enough to see off Man Utd. Those three points are monumental for Burnley as points will be tough to come by for them in the next few weeks. After they host Everton they travel to Stamford Bridge and Anfield. Everton, on the other hand, begin a run of fixtures that should yield points, but a stingy and physical effort will be required to take all three points tomorrow, especially with the crowd expected to be a raucous one at Turf Moor.

Moyes and company will still have redemption on their mind, with the Arsenal match not quite out of their memory yet. The Sigma match was a good start for the boys, but Burnley will provide tougher competition and at a hostile ground. Piennar and Rodwell, two massive influences in the Sigma fixture, are doubts for the match. This will put added pressure on Cahill and Saha to be the attacking inspiration for the squad. Moyes will be keen to sure up the back line, who looked suspect in the opening period of Thursdays match. There has also been talk that Lescott could be added to the lineup for the fixture, although no definite word has come from the club on that matter. If both Piennar and Rodwell do indeed miss the match it will be interesting to see if Moyes might think about putting Jo and Saha up front, though I doubt that Moyes would play a 4-4-2 during an away match. This should be a rough and gritty match, but now let’s look at some of the finer points of the fixture…

Form Guide

Everton:

20 Aug Everton 4-0 Sigma Olomouc

15 Aug Everton 1-6 Arsenal

Burnley:

Aug 19 Burnley 1-0 Man Utd

Aug 15 Stoke 2-0 Burnley

Players to Watch

Everton: All eyes are going to be on Louis Saha after a fantastic performance against Sigma on Thursday. Saha turned in the type of performance that should guarantee him a place in the starting XI for the coming matches. Always lively and full of dangerous runs, he should cause trouble for Burnley defenders. I also look for Cahill to return to form, as he has lacked his usual effectiveness so far this season.

Burnley: Many will focus on the hero of the United match, Robbie Blake, but I will be watching Brian “The Beast” Jensen and Martin Paterson. Jensen was vital in goal for the Clarets (just ask Michael Carrick), and his strong presence will be needed against a revitalized Everton attack. While Paterson didn’t score against United the striker created havoc among the Red Devil’s back line, as he chased down every ball and put tremendous pressure on the defenders. Everton looked a little shaky at the back in the initial twenty minutes of Thursdays game, so expect Paterson to keep up the pressure at Turf Moor tomorrow.

The Bold Prediction

Everton win 2-1

Burnley will be more than up for this match after defeating United earlier in the week, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see us concede an early goal. As the match goes on I expect us to wear them down and for our superior quality to show through. The formation Moyes employs is better suited for away fixtures and although any away matches in the Prem are difficult, I see us picking up a scrappy three points. Expect a physical and sometimes ugly style of play, but a victory in the end. COYB!

With Banega In The Bag, Everton Boss David Moyes Targets Vladimir Bystrov – Report

Goal.com- After a frustrating summer in the transfer market, the Everton manager appears to be breaking the log-jam…

Having secured a work permit for midfielder Ever Benega – who has signed from Valencia – Everton manager David Moyes is now planning a swoop for Spartak Moscow winger Vladimir Bystrov, according to the Daily Mail.

The issue of Banega’s work permit application was a concern to the Toffees, because the Argentinian has not played in 75 per cent of the Albiceleste’s international matches over the last two years, usually a key criterion for the granting of a permit to non-EU nationals.

Banega has so far won only three caps for his country, but the Mail in its online edition reports that Manchester sports lawyer Chris Farnell successfully argued for the work permit to be approved during a hearing at Premier League headquarters.

Nevertheless, the signing of Banega is considered something of a gamble by some observers, who feel the fact that the player struggled to settle in Spain after his £15 million transfer from Boca Juniors 18 months ago is not a good omen or Everton. Moyes clearly disagrees.

Banega has moved to Goodison Park on a season-long loan, the Toffees having the option of making the deal permanent next year.

And with that deal in the bag, Moyes is now said to be hoping to finalise the £9m transfer of Vladimir Bystrov.

The flying Russian winger could be one of several more new faces arriving at Goodison before the transfer deadline, reckons the Liverpool Echo, which adds that Bystrov, 25 years old and capped 24 times by Russia, is regarded as one of the quickest players in Europe.

The Echo feels that Bystrov’s “imminent” arrival will give Everton’s attack “an exciting new dimension”.

The newspaper adds that talks are at an advanced stage with Spartak, and that Everton officials are confident terms will be agreed and the deal wrapped up before the Merseysiders take on Burnley on Sunday.

Moyes targets four additions before transfer deadline

evertonfc.com- David Moyes has set his sights on four new signings before the close of the transfer window.

Everton have 11 days left in which to conduct their transfer business before the window closes until January.

Brazilian striker Jo is currently the only senior addition to the Everton ranks this summer.

But the Goodison chief admits he needs more numbers in his squad if the Blues are to continue their assault on domestic and European trophies.

He told evertonfc.com: “I want to be in the Europa League because if we get through (to the group stage) there are big games. But the squad depth is a definite concern. We are getting closer, but I’ve been saying that since the weekend. There are 11 days to go and I feel we need to add four players to the squad in that time.

“I keep thinking we are closer to making a signing. But I can see the deadline coming closer and normally I am glad when it shuts, but on this occasion I would like to extend it.

“I feel that if we are fortunate enough to get into the group stage of the Europa League that we need at least another four players in order to fulfill the Premier League season as well.”

However, the Goodison chief insists that, whilst time is running out to make signings, he will not bolster his squad with players not up to the high standards his side has set in recent seasons.

He explained: “We need to bolster the squad but I don’t want to fill it with rubbish. It is easy to sign players and bring them in, but we are a Club that wants a very good team and not just an average team.”

Classy Everton tear apart Sigma Olomouc; take commanding lead into second leg

Positive response, check… Clean sheet, check… Score goals, check, check, check, check!

The 1st leg against Sigma turned out to be the perfect antidote for an ailing Everton squad after a tough start to the year. While the initial few minutes of the match were actually quite nervy for the boys, we eventually wore down the Czech side and managed a convincing win. While I thought that we would be able to get a good result against Sigma, I couldn’t have imagined that it would go so well. And bloody hell, all this time I been hoping we would sign a holding/defensive midfielder but there has been one right in front of my face!

Not enough can be said of Jack Rodwell’s performance tonight… two spectacular strikes and a damn good job playing the holding mid role… man of the match, period. Rodwell never went for the dangerous pass, but rather opted to take a touch or two and kept the ball moving with a sensible pass. It may have been a little conservative, but it was effective and it most importantly didn’t disrupt the role of play, rather it improved the transition from defense to attack. This will be a massive boost of confidence for the lad and should earn him more starts in a similar role. As well as he played his position his strikes were even better, and I never knew he could hit a ball with such venom. I love the formation of Rodwell plying behind Cahill or Fellaini, and it is something that Moyes should employ more, especially when Arteta returns

If I could have picked men of the match Rodwell would have shard the honour with Louis Saha. Saha’s performance once again reaffirmed that when he is on top of his game he is world class. He played the role of lone stiker beautifully, made fantasic runs and was always lively and actively involved in the attack. His first goal was a true stikers’ goal, as he used his considerable strength to gain the inside position on the centre back and a deft touch was all that was required to send the ball into the net. His second was simply top class, as he first got the defender off balance, which created just enough space to get the ball onto his lethal left foot, and the rest was history. After this outing, it’s to imagine Moyes putting Jo into the starting XI over Saha.

In past posts I have often been harsh on Hibbert and Osman, but both played with fantastic energy and commitment today, although Osman’s defensive abilities still leave much to be desired. Hibbert was especially impressive and he clearly played his heart out, which he should be commended far. In refining my position on the two I would say this: against lesser opponents and slower opponents, Hibbert and Osman will just suffice. It is against the high quality teams where the pair become massive liabilities (i.e. Arsenal last week, FA Cup Final, etc.). While the two responded well today, I still hope that Moyes is able to sign a new RB and RW this week.

Piennar and Baines were once again on top form as the two produced some great football on the left flank. They were great offensive threats and were the inspiration behind much of Everton’s attack today. Baines especially grew in confidence as the match progressed, as he made multiple dangerous runs at the heart of Sigma’s defense. If Moyes could sign some new talent that would replicate the combination of Baines/Piennar on the right side, and along with the return of Arteta, this squad could become quite a formidable attacking side yet. But enough with my rabbling, let’s cue the tape… and it’s a beauty at that!

more about “Everton vs Sigma Olomouc“, posted with vodpod

Everton vs Sigma Olomouc: Match Preview

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Often during the course of a campaign there are matches that signify the direction that a club is headed and reveal the quality of the squad, while boosting its confidence as well. Many were hoping that the opening match of the season against Arsenal would be that type of match, but we all know how that worked out. As a result though, the match tomorrow against Czech side Sigma Olomouc might be one of the most important matches of the season for Everton. At first this might seem like a rash comment, but look at the significance of the fixture.

After the drubbing we were subjected to at the hands of the Gunners the boys must bounce back strongly. With Lescott being dropped from the squad and his sale to City seemingly imminent, that transfer saga can’t be used as an excuse any longer for poor play. Despite a lack of depth, this squad is filled with class players who won’t allow the Arsenal match to set the tone for the campaign. I’m sure Moyes will use all the negative press surrounding Everton’s chances of a successful season to inspire the lads, or at least appeal to their sense of self-respect and determination. I expect players like Neville, Cahill and Howard to be a strong presence in the dressing room, and give the boys a further kick in the arse.

Much of the buildup to the match has focused on the response of the Everton players, and rightly so, because this could be a tricky fixture if Everton overlook Sigma. On paper there is obviously no comparison between the squads, but Sigma is a youthful teams full of players who will want to make a splash on the European scene. Sigma raised many eyebrows when they thrashed Scottish side Aberdeen 8-1 on aggregate, which allowed them to move on to face Everton. Let’s now look at some of the notable points surrounding the fixture.

Form Guide

Everton:

15 Aug Everton 1-6 Arsenal

07 Aug Everton 2-1 Malaga

04 Aug Blackpool 2-1 Everton

02 Aug Coventry City 2-2 Everton

26 July River Plate 1-0 Everton

Sigma Olomouc:

16 Aug Sigma 1-1 Bohemians

09 Aug Slovacko 2-0 Sigma

06 Aug Sigma 3-0 Aberdeen

02 Aug Sigma 0-0 Banik Ostrava

30 July Aberdeen 1-5 Sigma

Players to Watch

Everton: Piennar and Cahill are the most important players among the probable starting XI, and are the most influencial attacking players. Piennar will be crucial in connecting with the back line and then bringing the ball into the attacking third of the pitch, where Cahill must be his usual lethal presence inside the six yard box. After a great pre-season but a poor opener, it will be important to see if Jo can play well, as he is not assured of starting place, especially with the imminent return of Yakubu.

Sigma Olomouc: To be honest I am pretty unfamiliar with the squad, but after some diligent research Daniel Rossi and Michael Hubnik names stuck out. The Brazilian Rossi is a defensively minded midfielder that will need to be on top of his game if Sigma are to thwart the Everton attack. Hubnik as been the player in form for Sigma during their European campaign thus far, as he scored in 3 out of 4 matches, and will look to add to that tally tomorrow against a Everton defense that may still be shell-shocked.

The Bold Prediction

Everton win 2-0

Although I am openly biased, I feel confident that the boys will muster a convincing victory at home tomorrow. As previously mentioned, Sigma does not have the talent to match ours and should be utterly outgunned, despite their youth and desire. If we can go about the match in a professional manner we should obtain the necessary result, making the return leg much less stressful. COYB!

Breaking News: Moyes drops Lescott for Sigma match; switch to City seems imminent

Goal.com- Joleon Lescott has been dropped from the Everton squad to face Sigma Oloumouc of the Czech Republic in Thursday’s night’s Europa League play-off at Goodison Park, with his manager David Moyes claiming that the player’s attitude has let him down.

“I’m not including Joleon Lescott in the squad. His attitude in the past few days has been poor and for that reason I won’t include him,” Moyes told reporters at a press conference today.

“I’ve always thought he was a good lad. But I think he has not only let himself down but his team-mates too.”

The England defender did not train with the Toffees first team squad this morning, with no specific reason being given by the club, as his well-documented potential switch to big-spending Manchester City seems to become steadily more likely.

City were yesterday reported as pondering a potential swap deal for the player, with David Dunne, Martin Petrov or Jo, already at the club, mooted as makeweights in the £18 million deal, as deadlock seemed to have been reached in negotiations between the clubs.

Now, though, it looks as though Toffees manager David Moyes has perhaps resigned himself to the loss of the player, and is preparing for life without the former Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back at Goodison Park.

Goal.com also understands that Lescott will be in Manchester to sign for the Citizens shortly, once a £22 million fee has been paid to the Toffees and a deal finalised.