Lescott seals Manchester City move

England central defender Joleon Lescott has completed his €25m transfer from Everton FC to big-spending Manchester City FC after the 27-year-old agreed personal terms and passed a medical.

'Very highest quality'
UEFA Europa League challengers Everton had rejected two offers from City for their seven-times international before finally accepting an initial €25m fee which could rise to €27m. With the move being rubber-stamped late on Tuesday, City manager Mark Hughes said: "In bringing Joleon to the club, we have recruited a defender of the very highest quality [who] can play in a number of positions."

Five-year deal
Lescott, dropped from the Everton squad for last week's UEFA Europa League play-off against SK Sigma Olomouc after putting in a transfer request, will have a five-year contract in Manchester. "The way this club is moving, I'm really looking forward to being a part of that," said the Birmingham-born player, who can also operate as a left-back.

Everton career
A €6m signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers FC in the summer of 2006, Lescott had flourished at Everton, scoring 14 goals in 113 Premier League games for last season's FA Cup finalists. He also broke into the England squad, winning his first cap in October 2007. His acquisition by City closely follows the arrival on Monday of 35-year-old Brazilian full-back Sylvinho who had been released by FC Barcelona. City have now spent nearly €140m this transfer window.