Aston Villa defender Joleon Lescott is reportedly being chased by two clubs ahead of the transfer deadline as he closes in on an exit.
The 34-year-old was widely criticised by Villa supporters for his performances last season, as the club were relegated from the Premier League.
With Roberto Di Matteo signing both Tommy Elphick and James Chester this summer, it’s clear that Lescott will struggle for playing time, and in turn he has been linked with a departure.
According to Sky Sport Italia expert Gianluca Di Marzio, he is being chased by Serie A outfit Pescara as they look to add experience to their squad to protect their top-flight status after securing promotion.
However, AEK Athens are understood to have revived their bid to sign the former England international too and so it appears as though Lescott will have a choice with just a few days remaining before the deadline passes.
Pescara have reportedly offered a one-year deal with an option on the second, and so now it comes down to which project and club Lescott prefers with both being attractive for different reasons.
The former Everton and Manchester City defender infuriated Villa supporters last season after an incident involving a picture that was sent out on his Twitter account after a heavy defeat to Liverpool, which in turn led to a spat with club hero Stan Collymore, as noted by BBC Sport.
Having failed to endear himself to the Villa faithful on or off the pitch, his exit will be welcomed as the club continue to rebuild their squad in their pursuit of immediate promotion back up to the Premier League this season.
Given his troubles and poor form in recent times though, it’s very surprising that there is such demand for him with Villa hoping a deal can be reached before the deadline.