Report: Aston Villa Target Joleon Lescott & Micah Richards

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Aston Villa have identified Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards as potential successors to Martin Laursen.

It is thought that Danish international centre-back Laursen might have to announce his retirement from football over the summer after he was told he would need an operation to correct a knee injury.

While it has not been confirmed whether the 31-year-old is planning to call time on his playing career, it is said that he will miss around nine months of action should he go under the knife.

Therefore, Villa manager Martin O'Neill has apparently made signing a new defender his top priority during the transfer window at the end of the season.

With Randy Lerner, the club’s owner, ready to back the Northern Irish tactician with £10 million for a new purchase, it is claimed the names of Lescott and Richards have been added to the manager's wish-list.

Six-time capped England international Lescott has become a key player at Everton since signing for around £5m from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2006, so it is unlikely that manager David Moyes will cash-in on him.

Meanwhile, Richards was held in extremely high regard when he burst onto the scene at Manchester City in 2005 but his form of late has been inconsistent.

It is unclear whether the Citizens will listen to offers for the versatile defender. Although they do have limitless funds for new acquisitions and appear to be after immediate success, the 20-year-old is still regarded as a promising talent.

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com