**Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has not given up hope of signing Everton centre-back Joleon Lescott.**The Toffees have turned down a transfer request from the 26-year-old England international and have rejected bids of £15m and £18m for him from City.
Everton boss David Moyes has insisted Lescott is not for sale.
But Hughes said: “We are still trying to speak to the people who will ultimately make the decision over whether the deal continues.”
He added: “Those conversations are still to take place but how long they will still be active is open to debate.”
City are likely to move on to other defensive targets if they cannot persuade Everton to sell their versatile defender.
606: DEBATE
“Am I the only thinking we should stop the Lescott chase Everton clearly don’t want to let him go”
Paul_CTID
Hughes has already signed Kolo Toure from Arsenal for £14m this summer but is eager to give his squad more depth in that department.
“We were looking to strengthen the defensive options we have got,” explained Hughes. "We have done that in respect of Toure, we are very pleased he is here.
“I have stated we would like further strengthening to take place but if not we go with what we have got.”
Lescott joined Everton for £5m in June 2006 from Wolves and has developed into one of the Premier League’s leading defenders.
He can play at left-back as well as at the heart of the defence and his progress has also resulted in him becoming a regular in the England squad.