Reports have suggested Lescott, who helped England thrash Andorra 6-0 at Wembley in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, could be a transfer target for Premier League rivals Manchester City.

But he told the club`s official website: "You cannot stop the papers speculating. It is not a question I want to be answering and no-one has said anything to me other than I am an Everton player.

"I am going on holiday now with my family to wind down for the next couple of weeks and then I will come back fully focused on getting fit for pre-season."

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers defender revealed he was somewhat surprised to have been called up for Fabio Capello's England side, and thinks that the experience of playing alongside Chelsea and England captain John Terry will help him to improve as a player.

great standard

He also believes Everton's continued presence in Europe will help his ongoing England aspirations, after the club qualified for next season's Europa League with a fifth placed finish in the Barclays  Premier League.

"Playing European football does help a lot," he said.

"The Europa League will be a great standard and we will be in there next season. If I can establish myself playing European football, then who knows?

"His presence alone is immense," he continued. "JT (Terry) is always talking and is a natural born leader. If I can take a few of his attributes into my game, then I am sure I will be getting more experienced with it."

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