Car wash bet gives Lescott added incentive for Everton to edge Villa

Joleon Lescott is determined to help Everton stay ahead of Aston Villa in the race for qualification for the UEFA Cup next season — to save himself from washing his Villa-supporting cousin's car.

The England defender said: "My cousin Oliver gives me some stick and we have a little bet going on about which team finishes higher. Whoever loses will have to forfeit.

"If we finish above Villa he will have to wear a blue Everton shirt when the family get together on Christmas Day.

"I told him I can't do something like that. It will have to be some other kind of forfeit — I'll end up having to wash his car or something."

Everton are continuing to monitor Cardiff's 17-year-old midfielder Aaron Ramsey but face competition from Manchester United.