CITY are intent on adding to their growing England contingent by landing Joleon Lescott when he returns from World Cup qualifying duty.

Having signed Aston Villa's Gareth Barry for £12m to boost their contingent in Fabio Capello's squad to three, the Blues hope to make that four by offering Everton upwards of £15m for the 26-year-old.

The former Wolves defender is an exact fit for Mark Hughes' plans to bring in proven Premier League performers. Lescott is also seen as perfect cover at left-back for England star Wayne Bridge.

Hughes is determined to strengthen the heart of his defence and his attacking spearhead before the squad reports back for pre-season training next month.

The City chief knows, too, however that even though Everton would be making a healthy profit, he may have a hard time persuading the Europa League-bound Merseysiders that they should part company with Lescott.

Toffees' boss David Moyes would have to go into the market himself because Phil Jagielka could be out of action until Christmas after injuring his knee playing against City.

Power

If hard cash does not persuade Everton to part company with the defender for whom they paid Wolves £5m, then Hughes has a number of players he could offer in part exchange including striker Jo who spent time on loan at Goodison last season.

Cash-strapped Everton may find it hard to resist City's spending power and possibly the desire of Lescott to join City.

Lescott's representatives know, too, that their man would increase his earning power greatly by moving along the M62.

Meanwhile, Hughes' summer spree, designed to beef up the areas in which the Blues fell short last season, will soon turn its attention to strikers with Roque Santa Cruz, Samuel Eto'o, Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko highest on the list.

The Blues may face competition from Arsenal for both Dzeko and Lescott which would leave the players choosing between money and unlimited potential and immediate Champions League action.

One thing is for certain, the Blues have many of their top-flight rivals concerned with Arsene Wenger this weekend joining his north London counterpart Harry Redknapp in tipping City to be the side that could break up the continued dominance of the big four.

Meanwhile, midfielder Gelson Fernandes is a target for Fulham, Bolton and Stoke after his agent declared that the Swiss international intends to leave the Blues.

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