Goodison Park side would be interested in bringing in Etihad Stadium centre-back.

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David Moyes keeps Everton door open for Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott

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.”

SOURCE: Telegraph

It’s clear that David Moyes doesn’t hold a grudge, not when there is a chance to land a talented defender. The Scot fell out with the England man when he indicated his desire to leave Goodison Park for the Etihad Stadium, branding the player with the tag of having a ‘bad atitude’.

To be fair Everton did garner a massive £22m from the sale and those funds will have helped bring in a number of top additions and Lescott is hardly the only player who has used the Toffees as a stepping stone to

The 30 year old has made just six Premier League starts this season and may well see his first team spot further compromised by the continued improvement shown by youngster Matija Nastasic. Therefore a move away from the title holders may well be in the defender’s best interest.

There is bound to be much interest in the centre-back, who last term played a vital role in the club’s Premier League winning success, starting 40 matches in all competitions.

Man City signed Lescott back in the summer of 2009 and he has gone on to rack up 112 appearances for the club. Previously the Birmingham born battler spent seven years at Wolves and three seasons at Everton and is certain to find first team football elsewhere in the top tier.

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