Everton FC's Joleon Lescott wants holiday, not Man City move
JOLEON LESCOTT has admitted he is unhappy with speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City.
But the Everton defender says the only thing on his mind at present is a holiday.
The 26-year-old, who won his seventh England cap on Wednesday, has been the subject of increasing speculation about a ã15m-plus bid from Manchester City this summer.
But Lescott bristled when asked about the stories while on international duty this week.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers star has established himself as a firm favourite at Goodison in the last three seasons.
"We do not see much of the media side when we are away with England, but you cannot stop the papers speculating," he declared.
"It is not a question I want to be answering, and no-one has said anything to me other than I am an Everton player.
"I am going on holiday now with my family to wind down for the next couple of weeks and then I will come back fully focused on getting fit for pre-season."
David Moyes has stressed several times already this summer that he does not want to lose any of his top stars.
And the most successful manager in the club's history has tipped Moyes to bring silverware to the club in the near future.
Moyes guided Everton to the FA Cup final and into fifth place in the Barclays Premier League last term.
And Kendall, who won two league titles, an FA Cup and European Cup Winner's Cup during his tenure at Goodison, explained: "The first trophy is very important to David. Once you have achieved success you get a bit more confident and you get hungry for more.
"The only way a manager can go about his job is to never be satisfied unless you are number one."
Moyes was linked with the Celtic job before Everton's Wembley date, and Kendall added: "When any job becomes available then David Moyes is going to be linked with it. But I am sure he is committed to Everton and committed to winning a trophy."
England starting place was delight for Everton FC's Joleon Lescott
JOLEON LESCOTT admits his inclusion in the England starting XI against Andorra came as a complete surprise - but the Everton defender intends to do all he can to become a permanent fixture in Fabio Capello's side.
England boss Capello juggled his team somewhat for the final match of the season against minnows Andorra, who were swept aside 6-0 at Wembley on Wednesday night.
However, the result was inevitable as England maintained their 100% record to move 10 points clear of both Ukraine and Croatia at the top of Group six and now need a maximum of four points from their final three games to rubber stamp their ticket to the World Cup.
West Ham defender Matthew Upson had widely been expected to again start alongside captain John Terry at centre-back because of the absence of injured Rio Ferdinand.
However, after being given the nod by Capello, 26-year-old former Wolves man Lescott wants more of the same next season.
"Going into the game, I did not expect to play because Matt has been doing well recently," said the Goodison Park defender.
"It was a surprise to me, and I only knew when we had a meeting at 5.45pm and my name was down in the team.
"I have just got to stay focused and give it my all when I come to join up with England by training hard."
Lescott hopes the chance to play in Europe for the Toffees, who reached the FA Cup final and finished fifth, next season will only serve to boost his international ambitions.
"Maybe not so much Champions League, but playing European football does help a lot," he said.
"The Europa League will be a great standard and we will be in there next season.
"If I can establish myself playing European football, then who knows?"
Lescott feels he can only improve from playing alongside the likes of England skipper Terry.
"His presence alone is immense," said the Everton defender.
"JT is always talking and is a natural born leader.
"If I can take a few of his attributes into my game, then I am sure I will be getting more experienced with it.
West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green, meanwhile, is content to play a patient waiting game as he bids to become England's regular number one.
The 29-year-old was handed his first competitive caps in the World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra..
"'Jamo' (David James) has done fantastically well, and you have just got to keep plugging away for your club, waiting for chances and being ready. That is the virtue of being a goalkeeper," said Green, who has three more years of his West Ham contract to run, with the club keen to retain his services in the long-term
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"It is not a question I want to be answering, and no-one has said anything to me other than I am an Everton player."
You didn't say you are happy at Everton and want to stay. Not a good sign.
I'd rather our players didn't get picked for England as they spend too much time mixing with the ego's from other clubs. When was the last time we managed to keep hold of an England International?
i think he will he will come to city where he will win something in the next few year's,no point staying at everton,they did well last year,but they won't be able to repeat it this year.
Hmmm, you're not exactly being honest with yourself are you!? He doesn't pledge his loyalty to you or say he doesn't want to come to us does he. My gues is we'll sign him unless one of the BIG FOUR takes a shine to him. That doesn't say we're better than you.....just maybe he fancies a change of scenery.
Cath, when was the last time we had consistent England internationals?
Consistent ones? Decades, obviously. Unless you want to count Rooney before he left.