Everton defender Joleon Lescott was holidaying at the same resort as Manchester City boss Mark Hughes, it has been revealed.
The Sun says Lescott stayed at the same Dubai hotel complex as Hughes and Chelsea skipper John Terry last month.
The Everton defender was already there when Hughes and his family arrived and they were surprised to see him lounging by the pool.
City have been pursuing Lescott, 26, for most of the summer and are willing to pay around £15m.
But the Toffees - who will have to pay at least 10 per cent to his old club Wolves - are holding out for £20m.
City's chase has gone cold as they have turned their attention to England skipper Terry.
A deal for Lescott could yet be revived if the player indicates he wants to leave but, at the moment, the two clubs are at stalemate.