Joleon Lescott: Manchester City defender hoping to earn new deal

Lescott formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Vincent Kompany in City's title winning 2011-12 season.

Last year, the arrival of new signing Matija Nastasic saw him supplanted as first choice while Kolo Toure - who has since left for Liverpool - was also being preferred to him by the end of the campaign.

Injuries to Kompany and Nastasic at the start of this term have seen Lescott given a chance by Pellegrini but there are suggestions the club want to sign a new centre-back.

Atletico Madrid's Martin Demichelis has been strongly linked with a move to City ahead of next week's transfer deadline.

Lescott said: "It is no different than any other time.

"Most of my City career has been determined by pressure being put on - by myself, and by speculation of the club buying a centre-half.

"This year is no different. There may be more pressure with it being my last year but I am using that as a challenge, and an exciting challenge.

"I want to stay and be a part of the future but I understand there is a business side to it and if it is not to be, I will walk away from the club with my head held high and no regrets."