Manchester City plans to continue its pursuit of Everton defender Joleon Lescott despite having several bids rejected by its English Premier League rival.

Everton manager David Moyes launched an angry attack against City on Friday, calling its attempts to sign the England international "disgusting."

But City counterpart Mark Hughes is still determined to bolster the defence with Lescott before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

"When a deal has run its course we would be prepared to walk away," Hughes said after Saturday's season-opening 2-0 win at Blackburn. "At this moment in time, we are still to arrive at that position. Our interest is not finished yet.

"The headlines were quite predictable. I am not surprised David feels a bit aggrieved with the situation, you always are when a big club comes along trying to acquire one of your better players."

A first bid of £15 million ($25 million) was rejected by Everton at the start of July and an improved offer of £18 million was turned down at the end of the month.

Moyes is unhappy that Hughes never contacted him directly to discuss buying the center back.