Lescott raring to get started

26 August 2009 10:22
Joleon Lescott will finally get a chance to train with his new team-mates on Wednesday morning after completing his move to Manchester City on a five-year deal. Although Everton accepted a bid, reported to be worth £22million, for the 27-year-old on Sunday and Lescott passed his medical and agreed personal terms the following afternoon, it was late on Tuesday night when the deal was officially confirmed. Lescott, who could now make his debut at Portsmouth on Sunday where he is set to partner Kolo Toure in central defence, told www.mcfc.co.uk: "I'm over the moon to get the move completed, and I'm looking forward to training with the lads as I've not trained for a few days." He added: "I know some of the lads already - I'm close friends with Shaun (Wright-Phillips), we've played against each other since we were 16 or 17. The way this club is moving on, I'm really looking forward to being a part of that." Manager Mark Hughes has now completely reshaped his squad since his arrival last year. The Welshman has spent in excess of £120million this summer alone, although having won their opening two games this term, optimism is high at City that they can go some way to matching the hype. Hughes said: "In bringing Joleon to the club I feel we have recruited a defender of the very highest quality. He can play in a number of defensive positions, and I'm positive he will make a significant impact for us." Yet amid the relief at Lescott's arrival being confirmed, it now seems inevitable skipper Richard Dunne will be leaving. The Irishman has previously expressed a desire to remain part of the Eastlands revolution. Yet, knowing he can no longer be regarded as a first choice and with Nedum Onuoha's future secured by the long-term contract he signed during the summer, Dunne might accept he must leave, with Aston Villa said to have already declared their interest in the form of a £6million bid.

Source: Eurosport