Strong fighting rearguard action from David Moyes as it appears that City are about to go in for Joleon Lescott for a third time. The general consensus seems to be that if the Everton defender asks for a transfer then that will force the issue. Moyes is unhappy with the club's tactics and to be honest I can't blame him. It's different with other clubs where they complain about offers upsetting their players and then turn around and use the exact same tactic. However I can't ever recall Everton under Moyes pulling such a stunt.

There also remains the issue of whether Lescott is worth such attention. He's certainly a good player, but not a great player. Each of the other targets, at least those spoken of publicly, have at made sense to me. Even John Terry, because I understood why the play was being made. As I've stated in the past, Lescott's positioning is suspect.

Now if City feel that through training and instruction that this can be improved the England defender becomes much more intriguing. And also I think that last part is important; England defender. There's a certain mystique to having the most England internationals on one team. Lescott would make four current internationals along with Bridge, Barry and SWP. That would rival Chelsea and United.

Leeds United's Fabian Delph is rumoured to be a target for the club. I have to suspect that a sign and loan back would be on the cards and certainly preferred by Leeds. I'm going to be very curious as to how City deal with these kind of opportunities. The club has money to bring in many quality internationals, and obviously is doing so. The club also has the finest academy in British football bringing through excellent young players. Which leaves the bit in the middle; the acquisition of youngsters with tremendous potential who may not be ready for the first team, but will be within 18 months or so. Regardless of the riches that the club has access to, at some point such spending will stop or at least be calmed down.

We can diss United all we want, and I will, but they get this squad building right. Of course there are occasional bumps, but Ben Foster, the da Silva twins and I strongly suspect Adem Ljajic are going to be very wise investments in their future. It's a lesson that the club will do well to heed. If Delph joins this is hopefully the start of a strong City program.

Update Looks like Villa have jumped in ahead of City. Martin O'Neill's stealth next generation England team continues to be built it seems.