Lescott close to ending Villa nightmare

Aston Villa outcast Joleon Lescott will have a medical at Scottish giants Rangers after being offered a two-year deal by the club.

The 34-year-old defender has been frozen out of Roberto di Matteo’s plans this season, and told he can leave the club, after enduring a wretched Premier League campaign.

It was thought that as well as Lescott attracting interest from north of the border, Sunderland were keen to land the services of the defender who hardly endeared himself to the Villa faithful.

When previously asked about signing a player of Lescott’s calibre, manager Mark Warburton said: “I’m optimistic because we have to keep raising the profile of Rangers.

“We can’t compete when it comes down to straight cash, but with players of experience and players of quality, it’s not always about a straight cash deal.”

Despite being a former England international with 26 caps and over 600 senior club appearances, Lescott’s form at Villa was terrible.

His performances, coupled with some misjudged comments and high-profile spats via social media, meant Lescott was always expected to leave for a much needed fresh start.

“We can offer a player an opportunity here that is maybe not on offer at that club – and maybe those clubs can sign more players to have bigger squads.

“It’s very much about the quality of opportunity. If we can get that right then we have a chance.”

After signing Josh Windass, Matt Crooks and Harry Forrester from the Football League in the past two transfer windows, The Gers are also close to bolstering their squad with the signing of Preston striker Joe Garner.

Preston have said the 28-year-old is free to agree personal terms Rangers after a fee in the region of £1.5 million was agreed between the two clubs.