Last Updated: Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:56
Aston Villa are being linked with a swoop on Manchester City for out-of-favour defender Joleon Lescott in this transfer window.
Villa boss Paul Lambert is desperate to bolster his backline this month with Richard Dunne failing to feature all season because of a knee injury, while skipper Ron Vlaar has missed the last seven games with a calf problem.
And, having been promised transfer funds by Villa owner Randy Lerner, it has resulted in speculation suggesting Lambert will make an offer to City for the 30-year-old which will add both quality and experience to Villa's central defence, which has leaked 17 goals in four games over Christmas and the New Year.
Lescott would no doubt be attracted by a move to Villa given that he supported the club as a boy and he will be guaranteed the regular first-team action he craves to remain in Roy Hodgson's England plans.
It is thought Villa could match the reported £10million asking price, although City boss Roberto Mancini claimed earlier this week he will not be selling any players this month.
When quizzed about the possibility of offloading Lescott, who is fourth choice behind Vincent Kompany, Matija Nastasic and Kolo Toure, the Italian said: "We can't sell players. We don't have enough players to play if we sell players."
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