It's Official - Lescott Is Staying At City!

Last updated : 06 January 2013 By Footy Mad - Editor

In a statement released on Lescott's behalf by the player's spokesman tonight, it is clear he wants to remain with City.

"Joleon Lescott has ruled out the possibility of any loan move during the January transfer window," said the statement.

"Despite speculation linking him with several Premier League clubs, Joleon has no desire to leave Manchester City."

Saturday's appearance was only Lescott's 16th of the season. One of those was a bizarre last-minute introduction as a striker at Sunderland on Boxing Day, when City lost 1-0.

It is not beyond question that City may look to offload one of their high earners this month, although with Kolo Toure away on African Nations Cup duty with the Ivory Coast for the rest of January, a replacement would need to be found.

And Mancini did not give any indication today that he was willing to sell after he was asked about the latest link with Villa.

"No," he said.

"We don't have enough players to play 40 days without Yaya, without Kolo and with eight players injured. We need players in, not out."