... Joleon Lescott is tipped to be set to leave Manchester City during the January transfer window and sign for Everton.
Roberto Mancini appeares to favour summer arrival Matija Nastasic alongside captain Vincent Kompany.
This has left the 30-year-old as fourth choice, with Kolo Toure often being selected from the bench.
Lescott is desperate to stay in Roy Hodgson’s England plans, now that John Terry has "called it a day".
Everton sold the central defender to City for £22m in 2009.
The main concern to City fans is that Toure is set to depart for the African Cup of Nations in the New Year.