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Manchester City fear they have missed out on long-term transfer target Joleon Lescott and have switched their attention to West Ham defender Matthew Upson.
Talks have already taken place between the two clubs with City sounding out the Hammersl. That could leave Everton with an unhappy player as Lescott has already risked the ire of his own fans by indicating he wants to join City.
Goodison boss David Moyes wants £30million for England defender Lescott while City, who have had bids of £15m and £19m rejected, are expected to return with a final offer of just £22million.
That is expected to be dismissed by Everton leaving City to seek Engand defender Upson as a back-up.
City boss Mark Hughes is keen to have the Lescott saga resolved, one way or the other, by the end of this weekend.
West Ham remain determined to hold on to Upson but it is understood they could be tempted to talk at the kind of figures already rejected by Everton.
Fulham's Brede Hangeland, Chelsea's Alex and Portsmouth stopper Sylvain Distin have all been mooted as alternative targets for City.
But Hughes is keen on left-sided defender Upson who in turn is keen to enhance his prospects of going to the World Cup by playing in a team battling for the title.
Despite the wealth of attacking talent at their disposal, City have won just one of their five pre-season matches so far this summer, highlighting their need for a settled back four.
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has a clutch of defenders in whom he is ready to place his faith going into the new season, including Danny Gabbidon, James Collins and James Tompkins.
Not the most reliable source, but makes sense considering the dragged out JL saga.
Manchester City fear they have missed out on long-term transfer target Joleon Lescott and have switched their attention to West Ham defender Matthew Upson.
Talks have already taken place between the two clubs with City sounding out the Hammersl. That could leave Everton with an unhappy player as Lescott has already risked the ire of his own fans by indicating he wants to join City.
Goodison boss David Moyes wants £30million for England defender Lescott while City, who have had bids of £15m and £19m rejected, are expected to return with a final offer of just £22million.
That is expected to be dismissed by Everton leaving City to seek Engand defender Upson as a back-up.
City boss Mark Hughes is keen to have the Lescott saga resolved, one way or the other, by the end of this weekend.
West Ham remain determined to hold on to Upson but it is understood they could be tempted to talk at the kind of figures already rejected by Everton.
Fulham's Brede Hangeland, Chelsea's Alex and Portsmouth stopper Sylvain Distin have all been mooted as alternative targets for City.
But Hughes is keen on left-sided defender Upson who in turn is keen to enhance his prospects of going to the World Cup by playing in a team battling for the title.
Despite the wealth of attacking talent at their disposal, City have won just one of their five pre-season matches so far this summer, highlighting their need for a settled back four.
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has a clutch of defenders in whom he is ready to place his faith going into the new season, including Danny Gabbidon, James Collins and James Tompkins.
Not the most reliable source, but makes sense considering the dragged out JL saga.