Moyes 'would be delighted to have Lescott back'

Everton manager David Moyes has left the door open for the return of England defender Joleon Lescott, whose controversial departure to Manchester City three years ago left a bitter taste at Goodison Park.

Lescott, who became a mainstay of Everton’s team after a transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers, eventually joined Manchester City for £22 million in August 2009 following two public offers that were turned down along with the rejection of Lescott’s written transfer request.

Everton, however, will not face their former team-mate at the Etihad Stadium today. Despite playing 31 league games during last season’s title campaign, Lescott, 30, has lost his place in Roberto Mancini’s team to 19 year-old Serbian Matija Nastasic.

Moyes, who has said a lack of funds will restrict him to loan signings in the January window, said: “If Joleon wanted to come back – if I thought we needed him – I’d be delighted to have him back. If he was available then I think he’d be someone I would maybe show an interest in.”

Moyes dropped Lescott from his squad prior to his exit, citing the player’s “bad attitude” and claiming that his head had been turned by City’s public courtship, but he has mellowed in his view of the move.

He said: “When Joleon left, Everton were in a different place to where we are now. So I can understand why he wanted to go, there was a big project going on at Manchester City. It was still disappointing for me.”

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Source: Telegraph