Source: SKY_Sports
Baines hails Lescott approach
Everton defender Leighton Baines has praised Joleon Lescott for keeping a level head as Manchester City continue to pursue his team-mate.
The Toffees turned down a £15million offer from big-spenders City for the England international on Friday as the Blues continue their quest to land the Premier League's biggest stars.
Fellow defender Baines was impressed with the club's immediate rejection of City's advances and was equally pleased with Lescott's performance in an Everton shirt just 24 hours later.
Everton romped to a 4-1 victory over League Two outfit Rochdale on Saturday in a pre-season friendly with the away fans chanting Lescott's name throughout the win.
Baines believes his team-mate proved he was unfazed by the speculation surrounding his future with his comfortable performance and admits he will be delighted if the club holds onto him.
"Absolutely we want Joleon to stay. I don't think anyone would want a player like Joleon to leave," Baines told the club's official website.
"The manager had said that and it's good to see the fans showing their appreciation for him as well because he's done so well for the club over the last few years.
"He showed with his performance today that his mind isn't elsewhere and he's fully focused on what he's doing here at Everton at the moment. That's great."
