Rangers are closing in on Lescott deal

RANGERS are closing in on the signing of former England defender Joleon Lescott — after Aston Villa agreed to pay up the last year of his £35,000-a-week contract. The former Everton and Manchester City regular, who won 26 caps for his country between 2007 and 2013, met with Ibrox boss Mark Warburton yesterday. Lescott is said to be extremely keen to make the move from Birmingham to Glasgow, and

sees it as an ideal opportunity to resurrect his career. Warburton, who already has former Arsenal centre-half Philippe Senderos on trial, is extremely keen to strengthen a back four still looking vulnerable. Lescott, who turned 34 yesterday, would bring a host of English top flight, Champions League and international experience to the Scottish Championship winners. But the move would also suit a player who has been all but completely discarded by Villa. Last week, di Matteo ordered Lescott to train with the club’s Under-23s. Under contract for another year, his huge wages — in Scottish terms — would normally be a stumbling block. But Sportsmail understands that, in order to get Lescott off the books, Villa are ready to cover the final year of his deal. That would enable Rangers to strike a deal with the veteran. Meanwhile, talks to secure Preston striker Joe Garner are understood to be continuing, although he did not travel north for a medical yesterday. A deal is expected to be done within the next 24 to 48 hours.