CITY are set to switch their attentions to former favourite Sylvain Distin if their move for Joleon Lescott falls flat.

The Blues have drawn up a short-list of alternative options as they wait to see whether Lescott forces the issue by putting in a transfer request - and Portsmouth's Distin is on it.

The Blues have already weighed up moves for Newcastle's Sebastien Bassong and Chelsea stopper Alex, after Everton firmly rejected a second £19m bid for Lescott.

But M.E.N. Sport understands that the name of 31-year-old Distin, who spent five seasons at City and was the club's player of the year in 2003, has now been added.

City are not prepared to move beyond the £20m mark for Lescott, although there is talk that the England defender is set to hand in a transfer request.

He did not take part in the Toffees' friendly at Coventry on Sunday, but that was put down to a hip injury.

City have come under fire from Everton manager David Moyes for the way they have conducted the pursuit of Lescott, but the Blues are privately insisting that they have done everything in the correct manner - at board- room level rather than through a cosy managerial chat.

Support

There was some welcome support for the Blues from Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, who said that they were well within their right to spend big.

"Of course we don't want any club to spend more than they need to spend, or we will have hyperinflation," said Scudamore.

"We have been here before, haven't we? Chelsea came in and spent money. Manchester City have every right - the club's owner has every right - to do what other clubs have done unto other clubs since professional football began.

"But if they want to acquire top talent, why should Manchester City be the one club singled out for not being allowed to do what professional football clubs have done for 110 years?"

The Blues may be about to upset Moyes further - by taking a strong interest in two young players wanted by the Everton boss.

City have confirmed they are keeping an eye on exciting Leeds youngster Fabian Delph, and they had 21-year-old Sweden midfielder Rasmus Elm, watched yesterday, when he was in action for Kalmar.

Elm, who would cost around £4.5m, has already been the subject of rejected offers from Everton and Fulham.

Everton have already given Elm - one of the stars of the European Under-21 Championships - a tour of Goodison Park.

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