Besiktas claim to be in talks with Manchester City over Lescott

Besiktas claim to be in talks with Manchester City over the possible transfer of Joleon Lescott, who is currently out of favour.

The England international was a key member of the Blues side which won the FA Cup in 2011, which was their first piece of silverware for 35 years. The following year he was again heavily involved as they won a first league title since 1968, when he played 31 times as he forged an impressive partnership with Vincent Kompany.

However, last season Roberto Mancini brought in Mateja Nastasic and also picked Kolo Toure ahead of Lescott on occasions, and his situation hasn’t improved under Manuel Pellegrini. The former Everton star has made just eight appearances in the Premier League, and is again a substitute for the New Year’s Day clash at Swansea City.

Lescott is out of contract at the end of the season, and whilst he has stated a preference to remain at the Etihad Stadium, discussions on a new deal have yet to take place. One option for the defender could be a move to Turkey, after Besiktas claimed they are in negotiations with City which could even be concluded towards the end of this week.

“We are negotiating with Manchester City over defender Joleon Lescott,” Besiktas board member Ahmet Kavalci has confirmed, according to Turkish news agency AA. “There will be some important development about this transfer on Thursday.”

City, though, have experienced problems in the heart of their back four this season, and another layoff to Kompany would damage their hopes of regaining the title. Pellegrini will therefore likely be reluctant to let Lescott leave the club in mid-season, unless he is able to bring in a high-quality replacement before the window shuts on 31 January.

 

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