Lescott is the best – Hughes

MANCHESTER City boss Mark Hughes believes he has snapped up the best central defender in the Premier League with his £22million purchase of Joleon Lescott.

The faith Hughes has in the 27–year–old’s ability is the reason why he was prepared to risk the wrath of David Moyes by continuing his pursuit of Lescott long after his manager at Everton had made it perfectly clear there was no interest in doing a deal.

Eventually, Hughes got his man, who is set to make his debut at Portsmouth on Sunday. And he is confident Lescott will prove the equal of John Terry or Rio Ferdinand once he settles into his new surroundings.

“Joleon is arguably the best centre–half in the Premier League and can be for a number of years,” said Hughes. “Some transfers are completed relatively quickly, others take longer. This has been one of the latter cases, but the fact we kept pushing for it is indicative of my view on the player.”

Lescott will not be considered for tonight’s Carling Cup tie at Crystal Palace, when Hughes is expected to field a strong side as City begin the task of ending a trophy drought that extends back to 1976.