Lescott now an Irons target

West Ham United are chasing Manchester City’s out of favour central defender Joleon Lescott after failing in a move for Everton central defender Johnny Heitinga.

The England international will be allowed out of the Etihad on a loan deal ahead of him becoming a free agent in the summer.

The Hammers moved on the player as soon as Heitinga revealed he wasn’t ready to join the club but we will need to stump up £45,000 of his £90,000 wage.

However, we are in a queue headed by Turkish outfit Bekitas with both  Spurs and Newcastle are also reported to be interested in the 31 year old.

The Hammers do not have a fit central defender in the club with James Tomkins, Winston Reid and James Collins all out with various injuries.

Their need for a quality player at the heart of the defence has not surpassed their  requirement for a front man.

A source told us: “Desperate times but yes Lescott is a target.”