City's Defensive Situation, Lescott and Terry

Everton FC's David Moyes is apparently in talks with Ex Hammer, Australian Fullback Lucas Neill. The Aussie is out of contract after rejecting a new deal with West Ham United, leaving the 31 year old free to talk with other clubs.

Portsmouth FC are also interested in Neill, City's Mark Hughes is currently locked in a battle to capture the signature of Everton's England international, Joleon Lescott. Lucas Neill has the versatility to play all along the backline so if Everton were too capture Neill's signature it would surely make way for the release of Lescott to City.

It is being reported that City are readying a further bid of around £18 million, £3 Million more than the initial £15 Million reported which was rejected by Everton.

Everton remain hopeful that Kyle Naughton will become their latest signing.

The Blues are keen on securing the services of the 20-year-old full-back, having agreed a deal with Sheffield United.

Meanwhile reports state Chelsea FC's Frank Lampard admits there is no guarantee John Terry will snub Manchester City's big-money bid.

Most of Chelsea's players have made it clear they want John Terry to stay but Lampard, one of Terry's closest friends, is more concerned.

"I don't know what he will do," Lampard said.

Lampard insists that Terry shouldn't be condemned as a mercenary if he does accept City's massive offer.

"People should respect his right to choose,"

Lampard said. "When you're a successful player this kind of thing is going to happen and then you have to make a decision. John's a very honourable man and it doesn't come down to money and things like that.

"I know John. I know he'll be thinking about what's the right thing to do as a player and, in the longer term, for his career. "No one should doubt that John Terry wants to be successful. No one should doubt that John Terry is a winner. This is not just about the money and people shouldn't try to make it that black and white. "It's understandable because it's Manchester City who have come in, but it's up to John what happens. All I can say is that I'm very proud each time I play with him and, as a club, you want to keep players like John Terry. It's as simple as that."

It is clear now that the choice lay solely in Terry's hands and the situation is out of Chelsea's control.