Baggies bring Joleon Lescott back to West Midlands

West Bromwich Albion, 3/1 to be relegated from the Premier League next season, have announced the signing of left-footed defender Joleon Lescott on a two-year contract after his deal at Manchester City expired.

It is new Baggies head coach Alan Irvine’s first signing since succeeding Pepe Mel at The Hawthorns. Former Wolves player Lescott, 31, worked with the Scot at Everton.

During five years at the Eithad, Lescott won all major domestic honours in England; two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and Capital One Cup. Signed in 2009 by then-City boss Mark Hughes, the current Stoke manager reportedly wanted to link up with him again.

Hull, who have a Europa League campaign to plan for next term, were also after Lescott, but he has opted to return to his native West Midlands with Albion.

“I know Joleon and the type of personality and character he is, in addition to knowing what he can do as a player,” said Irvine. “He’s a great professional and he will add to a number of very good professionals who are already in the squad.”

Lescott was largely frozen out by Manuel Pellegrini at City this term, with the Chilean coach notably dropping him for the League Cup final, despite starting every other game en route to Wembley.

Roy Hodgson subsequently left Lescott out of the England World Cup squad. He has 26 caps and famously scored at Euro 2012 against France. Irvine wants to add more experienced homegrown talent to the West Brom squad this summer, if the local and national press at to be believed.

Holding midfielder Jack Rodwell, another the Scottish coach worked with at Everton, is being chased either on loan or in a permanent switch from City. Such a move may free George Thorne up to join beaten Championship play-off finalists Derby County after an impressive temporary stint at Pride Park.

With Lescott’s arrival there are now four senior defenders on the books at the Hawthorns, so the addition of left-sided Fulham player Kieran Richardson could cover the dearth on that flank.