by GIANFRANCO PANIZO
The battle for defender Joleon Lescott has come to a close, and Manchester City is claimining victory.
Lescott is close to finalizing a deal from Everton to Manchester City, a deal worth a reported £24 million ($34.3 million). The move ends weeks of turmoil in which Lescott was holding out from Everton so that a deal between the two clubs could be met.
Despite agreeing to sell Lescott, Everton manager David Moyes has criticized the Citizens for taking so long to meet the club's transfer demand, stating that finding a replacement will be difficult this late into the transfer window.
Here are some more stories from Monday:
Fabregas set to miss Man. United match
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is doubtful for the club's gigantic weekend match-up against Manchester United.
Fabregas came out at half-time in Arsenal's 4-1 triumph over Portsmouth on Saturday, and it now appears that the hamstring injury could sideline him for up to three weeks.
The Spanish international has enjoyed a superb start to the season, showing off excellent form including a two-goal performance in the season opener against Everton.
Man. City signs Sylvinho
Manchester City's spending does not stop.
On the same day that the club is finalizing terms to sign defender Joleon Lescott, Manchester City has agreed to a one-year deal with defender Sylvinho. The 35-year-old Brazilian defender is expected to compete with Wayne Bridge for a starting spot.
Sylvinho joins the club after being released from Barcelona. He started in their 2-0 victory over Manchester United in last season's Champions League final.
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What do you think of Manchester City landing Lescott? How severely will Arsenal miss Fabregas if he can't play this weekend? Think Sylvinho will find a starting role at Man. City?
Share your thoughts below.