Lescott raring to get started at Manchester City
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Your support makes all the difference.Joleon Lescott will finally get a chance to train with his new team-mates this morning after completing his move to Manchester City.
Although Everton accepted a bid, reported to be worth £22m, for the 27-year-old on Sunday and Lescott passed his medical and agreed personal terms the following afternoon, it was late last night when the deal was officially confirmed; the former Wolves star joining on a five-year contract.
But with all the associated fees now settled, City can parade their eighth new arrival since the end of last season alongside veteran full-back Sylvinho, who has joined on a one-year deal after being released by Barcelona in June.
Lescott, who will be unveiled at a press conference later this morning, could now make his debut at Portsmouth on Sunday, where he is set to partner Kolo Toure in central defence.
Lescott told www.mcfc.co.uk: "I'm over the moon to get the move completed, and I'm looking forward to training with the lads as I've not trained for a few days.
"I know some of the lads already - I'm close friends with Shaun (Wright-Phillips), we've played against each other since we were 16 or 17. The way this club is moving on, I'm really looking forward to being a part of that."
Hughes has now completely reshaped his squad since his arrival last year.
The Welshman has spent in excess of £120million this summer alone, although having won their opening two games this term, optimism is high at City that they can go some way to matching the hype.
Hughes said: "In bringing Joleon to the club I feel we have recruited a defender of the very highest quality.
"He can play in a number of defensive positions, and I'm positive he will make a significant impact for us."
Yet amid the relief at Lescott's arrival being confirmed, it now seems inevitable skipper Richard Dunne will be leaving.
The Irishman has previously expressed a desire to remain part of the Eastlands revolution.
Yet, knowing he can no longer be regarded as a first choice and with Nedum Onuoha's future secured by the long-term contract he signed during the summer, Dunne might accept he must leave, with Aston Villa said to have already declared their interest in the form of a £6m bid.
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