Today the Sun is reporting that Manchester City will be looking to sell defender Joleon Lescott in January for a fee of £8 million, so should Newcastle United abandon their transfer policy and snap up this Man City bargain?
Before you tell me why this transfer won’t happen, whether it’s because at 30 he’s too old or his £90,000-a-week wages are too high, let’s have a look at why Newcastle should consider this deal.
While the Newcastle hierarchy are currently looking at players who are 26 and under and who have sell-on value further down the line, Lescott would bring plenty of qualities to St James’ Park.
Lescott is a very experienced defender and while he may have been overlooked in favour of Serbian youngster Matija Nastasić, who is partnering Vincent Kompany in the City defence, this season, Lescott was an invaluable part of Man City’s Premier League winning team last season.
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Joleon has played over 400 times in his career, first for Wolves and then for Everton, before Manchester City splashed out £24m for him in 2009.
In that time he’s also played 23 times for England and is still international class despite his advancing years and you would have thought he still has four good years left in him.
Newcastle are woefully short at the back at the moment, with Steven Taylor’s injury and Mike Williamson’s suspension leaving captain Fabricio Coloccini as the only recognised centre back available against Arsenal.
The Magpies would also benefit from building an English core to their team, as an influx of Frenchmen is only likely to increase in January, so players with Premier League experience are always beneficial.
Given that Lescott is available for a third of the price that Man City paid three-and-a-half years ago, Alan Pardew could do worse than splashing the cash on Joleon.
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Too old. Too slow. Too expensive. Next ridiculous transfer story please.
Well ac, perhaps you could let us know who you recommend should be bought to sort out our defence. So 30 years is too old? Beardsley was 31 when we bought him from Everton, and he was the best player I ever saw in a black & white shirt.You talk cack sunshine.