ASTON Villa boss Martin O'Neill has drawn up a list of replacements for crocked Martin Laursen - with Everton's Joleon Lescott a shock contender. (Daily Mirror)Villa's Danish defender Laursen, 31, needs another major knee operation and O'Neill will be given around �10million by owner Randy Lerner to replace him.

ASTON Villa boss Martin O'Neill has drawn up a list of replacements for crocked Martin Laursen - with Everton's Joleon Lescott a shock contender. (Daily Mirror)

Villa's Danish defender Laursen, 31, needs another major knee operation and O'Neill will be given around �10million by owner Randy Lerner to replace him.

And Everton's England defender Lescott is a surprise possibility due to his Brummie roots. Lescott penned a new deal 12 months ago but he was born in Birmingham and is thought to favour a move nearer home.

Manchester City's Micah Richards is also a target, while Villa are also being linked with a move for Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Maor Buzaglo.