Cut-price England defender set for sensational Everton return

A summer of change is expected for Premier League champions Manchester City, as Roberto Mancini looks to overhaul his squad in the hope of a renewed title push next season.

And Joleon Lescott is expected to be one of the first out of the exit door, after being told he is surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium.

Though still featuring semi-regularly for City, Lescott has fallen down the Eastlands pecking order in comparison to last season, when he became an integral part of their title-winning side.

The emergence of Serbian centre-half Matija Nastasic has not aided his cause, and Mancini will reportedly allow his England defender to leave for just £4m in the close season.

For a player that cost City £24m in 2009, and one who remains a prominent international player, that bargain fee is one which any number of top-flight clubs are willing to pay.

Newcastle and Aston Villa are among the leaders of the chasing pack, whilst QPR would renew their January interest in the centre-back should they retain their Premier League status.

But a sensational return to Everton appears most likely for Lescott, whose relationship with David Moyes is said to have improved since his acrimonious Goodison Park departure four years ago.

Moyes was unhappy with the way Lescott conducted himself throughout negotiations, despite eventually receiving a hefty fee for the player from the Citizens.

The Scotsman would be willing to bury the hatchet once and for all by offering Lescott a Merseyside return though, with a centre-half a priority summer signing in light of Sylvain Distin’s advancing years.

The Everton chief’s uncertain future is a potential stumbling block to the move, as he awaits financial assurances before deciding whether or not to ink a new contract.

If Moyes does stay though, the Toffees would be clear favourites to land Lescott this summer.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.