Central role for Neville.

PHIL Neville could be set for an extended run at centrehalf as the Joleon Lescott saga continues to swirl around Everton.

The club captain made a winning start in midweek when he stepped into the role with his side chalking up a 4-0 victory against Sigma Olomouc in the Europa League play-off first leg.

Neville looks certain to retain that slot today against Burnley at Turf Moor as speculation grows that Lescott is edging ever closer to a move to Manchester City.

Lescott was banished from the squad by David Moyes for a bad attitude after two bids were rejected, leaving the manager short of options in that area.

Moyes said: "Phil did a great job, as centre half is not his position. He is a terrific pro. He may well have to do it again until the situation changes.

"There were one or two rocky moments but there are going to be until we get at least one centre half, maybe two, depending on what we need."

Moyes is closing in on Argentina midfielder Ever Banega after he was granted a work permit.

The 21-year-old is expected to complete a seasonlong loan deal from Valencia. Moyes is looking to employ Banega in a similar role to Mikel Arteta, who is out with a knee ligament injury.

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'GREAT JOB': Phil Neville