The Toffees have turned down a transfer request from 26-year-old international Lescott and have rejected bids of £15m and £18m for him from City.

Hughes said: "We are still trying to speak to the people who will ultimately make the decision over whether the deal continues.

"Those conversations are still to take place but how long they will still be active is open to debate."

An indignant Moyes said that Lescott "has had his head twisted" as a result of the attention from City but reiterated his insistence that the player - who has more than four years to run on his contract - will not be leaving Goodison Park.

"He should get his head around that and get on with his career," added Moyes.

"I make the decisions, they have not talked to me and the player has been consistently told he is not for sale."

City are likely to move on to other defensive targets if they cannot persuade Everton to sell their versatile defender.

Hughes has already signed Kolo Toure from Arsenal for £14m this summer but is eager to give his squad more depth in that department.

"We were looking to strengthen the defensive options we have got," explained Hughes. "We have done that in respect of Toure, we are very pleased he is here.

"I have stated we would like further strengthening to take place but if not we go with what we have got."

Lescott joined Everton for £5m in June 2006 from Wolves and has developed into one of the Premier League's leading defenders.

He can play at left-back as well as at the heart of the defence and his progress has also resulted in him becoming a regular in the England squad.