Everton are trying to price Manchester City out of the market for their coveted England defender Joleon Lescott, reports the Liverpool Echo. City have made it known they will not offer any more than £15million for Lescott.

Everton hope that their refusal to entertain any fee short of £20m will see the player stay at Goodison Park.

But now City are aiming to push the player into asking for a transfer, with a salary offer in the region of £80,000 a week - double Lescott's present Everton deal.