The article on Everton's web-site doesn't say when Lescott submitted the formal transfer request. Furthermore why are they releasing this information?
They could just keep it in house - unless they are trying to keep the transfer alive, and eke out the highest possible price whilst keeping Everton's fans onside. What do EFC gain by making news of Lecsott's transfer request public knowledge? They could have quite easily communicated this privately to the player and MCFC.
maybe they are just being open and honest, but if I were truly intent on keeping the player, I'd keep it quiet and in-house. There must come a point when EFC decide that the money they would receive makes the sale of Lescott attractive to EFC. If we can buy Upson, why can't EFC buy him, sell us Lescott, and buy some other players in the remaining period of the transfer window?