Everton are bracing for a bid from Manchester City for stars Mikel Arteta and Joleon Lescott.

The Guardian says Everton will resist any attempt by Manchester City to lure Arteta and Lescott to Eastlands in the transfer window, despite the Spanish midfielder and England defender featuring on Mark Hughes's list of proven Premier League talents he wishes to sign next month.

Hughes is a known admirer of Lescott and Arteta, whose recent return to form at Goodison Park is also attracting attention from Aston Villa, but Everton are under no financial pressure to sell the pair and have privately made it known to City that they will not consider any offers in January.

Both Arteta and Lescott are under contract at Goodison until 2012.