Baines impressed by Lescott attitude

Everton defender Leighton Baines has praised Joleon Lescott for keeping his mind on the job as Manchester City continue their pursuit of him.

Baines was delighted to see the club reject City's £15million bid for Lescott on Friday and equally pleased with the England international's performance in an Everton shirt 24 hours later.

The Toffees romped to a 4-1 victory over League Two outfit Rochdale on in a pre-season friendly at Spotland, with the away fans chanting Lescott's name throughout the win.

Baines believes Lescott's performance proves he is unfazed by the speculation surrounding his future, and he will be delighted if the club hold on to the former Wolves man.

"Absolutely we want Joleon to stay. I don't think anyone would want a player like Joleon to leave," Baines told the club's official website.

"The manager had said that and it's good to see the fans showing their appreciation for him as well because he's done so well for the club over the last few years.

"He showed with his performance today that his mind isn't elsewhere and he's fully focused on what he's doing here at Everton at the moment. That's great."