Aston Villa midfielder Joleon Lescott is reportedly being pursued by Scottish Premiership giants Rangers.

The 34-year-old was part of the troubled Villa side that dropped out of the Premier League last season and was criticised by fans for describing the relegation as "a weight off the shoulders" following a turbulent campaign.

According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers boss Mark Warburton is in the market for reinforcements to his backline and is a keen admirer of the experienced centre-back, who has previously had stints with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester City and Everton, as well as gaining 26 caps for the England national side.

New Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo does not have Lescott as part of his rebuilding plans in the Midlands and has not used him in the opening two games of the Championship season.

Lescott is thought to have received offers from several Premier League clubs, having been told that he can leave on a free, but the Glasgow-based Gers are in pole position to land his signature.

Rangers, who also count Joey Barton and Niko Kranjcar among their squad, are currently top of the Scottish Premiership after two rounds of games.