Everton and Liverpool are in negotiations with England internationals Joleon Lescott and Peter Crouch about new contracts at the Merseyside clubs.Everton defender Joleon Lescott has been a huge success this season at Goodsion Park and has managed to earn a first England cap in that time.
He was signed by David Moyes two years ago from Championship side Wolves for a fee believed to be in the region of £5 million. There have been rumours that the likes of Arsenal and Man United were interested in the player, a price of £12 million being mentioned.
"I think there will be new contract talks soon, because he is a very valuable member of our squad," Moyes said. "The thing is, he is OK about playing at left-back, and that helps. "We have spoken about it and he understands, and after playing in Russia for England at left-back he realises being quite versatile can be a real benefit.
"He would rather be a centre-half. His best position is there, but I've got to say he is a more than competent left-back and I've said before I don't think many people get past him because he is so strong and such a good defender."
Meanwhile, Liverpool striker Peter Crouch could also be tied down to a long-term contract in the coming days. "We have been talking about a new contract with Crouch and the player has told me that he wants to stay," said Reds boss Rafa Benitez. "The agent was talking to Rick Parry and said that the player wanted to talk."
Crouch's future at the club has been in doubt for some time with clubs like Man City, Portsmouth and Newcastle said to be interested in the 27-year old. A lot of Liverpool fans feel he hasn't been given a fair chance at the club and maybe now Benitez will start letting Crouch do his stuff on the pitch.
I feel this is good news for both clubs especially Everton. Lescott has been terrific this season and is bound to get even better. He has scored as many as some other top strikers in the Premier League and it was no surprise to me to hear the likes of United and Arsenal were interested in him.
