Is help on the way for a Portland Timbers defense in need?
One day after allowing three or more goals for the third time this season, the Timbers have been linked to a lucrative deal to land long-time English Premier League veteran Joleon Lescott, a free agent center back who spent the past five seasons with Manchester City.
ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman reported Monday that the Timbers have offered Lescott a multi-million dollar deal to bring him to Portland, where head coach Caleb Porter could certainly use his help. The Timbers lost to Vancouver 4-3 on Sunday, pushing them to 24 goals allowed in 16 games, tied for second-most in the Western Conference.
The Timbers declined to comment on the report when contacted by MLSsoccer.com on Monday. The club dealt long-time defender Futty Danso to the Montreal Impact for a 2015 draft pick on Monday.
Lescott, 31, was let go by Manchester City last month and has since reportedly turned down an offer to join Turkish giant Galatasary. EPL sides Aston Villa and West Ham have also reportedly courted his services, as have Queens Park Rangers.
Lescott began his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2000 before a move to Everton in 2006. He appeared in 113 games over three seasons for the Toffees before he moved on to Manchester City in 2009, logging 105 appearances with the club until the sides parted ways. He also appeared in four matches for the club during their 2013-14 UEFA Champions League campaign.
Lescott has logged 26 caps for the England national team, his most recent contributions coming in 2013.
