As far as I'm concerned Joleon Lescott ceased to be an Everton player today, whether he's still at the club come 5PM September 1st or not. His head is at City now even if his body doesn't end up there in this transfer window.
I'm pissed at the timing of his transfer request because it is an act of cowardice but I can honestly say I don't blame him for wanting to leave. He's probably looked at us this summer and thought Everton Football Club is only going in one direction; BACKWARDS. Truthfully, who could actually argue with that assessment? I know I can't. We've got an owner who has a good heart but hasn't got two pennies to rub together and has taken us as far as he can, and a manager who has admitted he's 'demented' by our transfer position this summer.
For those saying we should now milk City for every penny are kidding themselves. City now hold every card and can afford to be stubborn and not up their last bid of £18million. Lescott handing in a transfer request has fucked us over, the time to milk City was before the request.
Good luck at City Joleon.