It remains unlikely that the defender will sign a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Joleon Lescott is still eyeing the Manchester City exit door in January despite being a Premier League ever-present this season.
The 31-year-old has been the only fit senior central defender consistently available to new boss Manuel Pellegrini after injuries to captain Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic and he has started in each of City’s league matches thus far
A series of impressive performances suggested he could have a long-term future at City after being frozen out by Roberto Mancini last term, and talks over a new contract to replace the one that expires next summer have already taken place.
However, the Daily Mail understands Lescott spoke with sporting director Txiki Begiristain regarding a new deal but was told that he would be relegated to fourth-choice understudy once Kompany, Nastasic and new signing Martin Demechelis regain full fitness.
The England international is now expected to explore his options and will reportedly seek a move away from the Etihad Stadium, with former club Everton and Aston Villa mooted as two possible destinations in he new year.
In the meantime Lescott will continue at centre back for City when they make the trip to Stoke this weekend.
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