Aston Villa star drops major Twitter hint that he may be heading to Leeds

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

04 Aug 2016, 7:04 am

By Tom Blackburn

Former England defender Joleon Lescott followed then unfollowed the official Leeds Twitter account on Wednesday night in a major hint that he could be joining the club from Aston Villa.

It is not the first time Lescott has made a blunder on Twitter after he tweeted a photo of his new car just days after Aston Villa were beaten 6-0 by Liverpool.

Huddersfield based journalist Jake Beales-Hobson reported the news of the former England defender's social media activity after it was discovered by a Darlington fan, who tweeted a screenshot of the discovery.

It immediately prompted speculation that Lescott, 33, could be headed to Villa Park.

Lescott has been heavily linked with a move away from Aston Villa, after they were relegated from the Premier League last season.

They have since brought in Bournemouth defender Tommy Elphick at the heart of the defence, and the club may be willing to sanction the departure of the veteran centre-back.

Leeds are in the market for a new player at the heart of the defence, with only three senior players currently in that position in Sol Bamba, Liam Cooper and on-loan Kyle Bartley.

Lescott joined Aston Villa from West Brom last summer for just over £1million, having linked up with their Midlands rivals in 2014 on a free transfer from Manchester City.

Last season he played 32 games in the Premier League, but like much of the squad was criticised by fans for a lack of passion.

Lescott has two Premier League winners medals, which he won while at Man City - a club he joined for a bumper £23.4million from Everton in 2009.

Leeds are not just targeting Lescott to strengthen their defensive options, with Nottingham Forest centre-half Jack Hobbs being linked with an Elland Road switch earlier this week.

Former Liverpool centre-back Hobbs has made just 37 Championship appearances in two seasons for Nottingham Forest, largely being second choice to the likes of Matt Mills and Michael Mancienne.

In the latest Leeds news, they have been hit with an alcohol ban for their Championship opener.

Aston Villa

Leeds United

Joleon Lescott