Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Monaco have all been put on alert by rumours claiming that Manchester City are prepared to loan out Joleon Lescott in January.
The England centre-back has only made seven Premier League starts for the Citizens this term and is looking for a move away before the end of the transfer window to improve his World Cup chances.
According to the Daily Mail, City boss Manuel Pellegrini has informed the 31-year-old that he will allow him to leave until the end of the season, with Martin Demichelis, Matija Nastasic and captain Vincent Kompany all ahead of the former Everton star in the pecking order.
Spurs are apparently monitoring Lescott due to concerns over Younes Kaboul's fitness and are believed to be keen on him because he is also able to fill in at left-back, an area in which they are short of experience.
The same source also understands that Newcastle are interested in Lescott as they consider letting Steven Taylor leave in the New Year, while Ligue 1 outfit Monaco may offer the defender the opportunity to ply his trade abroad.