Lambert keen on Lescott

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has hailed Joleon Lescott as "a top player" and refused to dismiss making an approach for the Manchester City and England defender.

Lescott, a life-long Villa supporter, is out of favour at the Etihad Stadium and has been strongly linked with a move away in the current transfer window. Lambert says he will be backed in the transfer market by owner Randy Lerner, although Lescott would almost certainly have to take a wage cut for a deal to go ahead.

"He has been a top player and still is," Lambert said of the 30-year-old former Wolves and Everton centre-back. "He's a top, top player. He's not getting a game at Manchester City at the minute. As I've said before, I will sit with the rest of the staff and see what I can do. But I don't think you can ever dismiss it any level whenever you are talking about a top player."

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