BRAZILIAN forward Jo could be used as bait by Manchester City in their attempts to sign Everton defender Joleon Lescott.Roque Santa Cruz's arrival at Eastlands from Blackburn Rovers earlier this week could usher Jo towards the revolving door for a second time.

BRAZILIAN forward Jo could be used as bait by Manchester City in their attempts to sign Everton defender Joleon Lescott.

Roque Santa Cruz's arrival at Eastlands from Blackburn Rovers earlier this week could usher Jo towards the revolving door for a second time.

The player - who cost City around �19m from CSKA Moscow less than 12 months ago - could well be deemed surplus to requirements for the coming season.

After making 13 starts for City during which time he briefly shone, scoring three goals, Jo was loaned out to Everton for the second part of the campaign.

He managed a dozen appearances scoring five times for David Moyes' side and generally impressed with his attitude but not enough for the cash-strapped Toffees to make a permanent bid for his services.

With Santa Cruz ready to lead the Blues attack and Craig Bellamy and possibly Carlos Tevez battling to be the second hitman, it appears that Jo's chances will be limited and the Blues may well listen with a favourable ear to any clubs who wish to borrow a player who has been capped three times by Brazil.

As is the norm, City would require a loan fee, but would see a loan deal as a way of getting more experience into the 22-year-old, who has signed a four-year contract but who has found the Premier League physically demanding.

Everton may yet come back for another 12 months of the player and City could use Jo to hammer out a deal for defender Joleon Lescott.

Fulham are the other Premier League club in the hunt, though there could also be interest from Spain.