David Moyes has played down Manchester City target Joleon Lescott's absence against Coventry, stating the Everton defender was injured.

The England international was a notable absentee from the Toffees' 2-2 pre-season draw at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday.

Manchester City have already seen two lofty bids for the 26-year-old defender rejected by Everton this summer.

Speculation increased a deal could be nearing completion following Lescott's absence at the weekend but Moyes puts that down to a hip injury.

The Toffees boss says the former Wolves man picked up a hip injury on the club's pre-season trip to the United States and that he did not want to risk him against the Sky Blues.

"Joleon picked up a hip injury is America so we probably don't expect him to be fit until the end of the week," explained Moyes.

"He didn't travel with us, why would I bring an injured player?".