Lescott frozen out by Moyes

Everton declined to comment today on reports that Joleon Lescott failed to train with the first-team squad ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League play-off with Czech side Sigma Olomouc at Goodison Park.

Boss David Moyes took charge of a training session this morning at the club’s Finch Farm complex, but it is believed defender Lescott was not on the pitch with his team-mates.

Lescott, who was known to have been at the training ground, has been the subject of several weeks of transfer speculation, with Everton rejecting two bids from Manchester City for £15m and £18m.

An Everton spokesman said: “We will not be making any comment on this.”

Everton maintain that City have not made a third bid for the player, despite further dialogue this week.