Lescott future uncertain

Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott wants to stay at the club - but will not rule out a move before the end of the season.

Lescott hopes to re-establish himself after falling down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium but, with his contract running down, other factors may force a rethink.

The 31-year-old has made only eight starts this season and he knows he must seize any opportunity to impress.

He said: "I want to stay, that is the main thing.

"But the club have not approached me yet, so I don't know what the situation is with them.

"If I am playing for my future here, then great. If I am playing for it elsewhere, then so be it.

"I just know that every time I am out there, I have to perform at a level where top clubs would be interested in signing me."

Lescott, a controversial £22million signing from Everton in 2009, was outstanding as City won the Barclays Premier League in 2011-12 but appeared to fall out of favour under former boss Roberto Mancini last season.

New manager Manuel Pellegrini has also given Lescott only limited opportunities and the player accepts his prospects of going to next summer's World Cup with England could be receding as a result.

He said: "It does not look like I am going at the minute. I have not been in the last few squads, so it is going to be hard.

"But if I am playing for City and we are progressing in the Champions League and the title race, then there might be a place for me.

"I can't look that far ahead. No disrespect to England, but my main priority is Man City.

"I have not given up. But I know that comes from playing for Man City, so the faster I can get myself back in at City the better."