Joleon Lescott has put Aston Villa and Everton on alert by announcing he may have to leave Man City to keep his World Cup dream alive.

The 30-year-old England centre back admits that his recent omission from Roy Hodgson's squad for the World Cup qualifiers left him to rethink his future after a season in which he has been largely overlooked by City boss Roberto Mancini.

As it turned out, the withdrawals of Rio Ferdinand and Gary Cahill meant Lescott not only got a call-up, but played in the matches against San Marino and Montenegro, even getting the honour of leading the team for the final 20 minutes of the former game once Frank Lampard had been replaced.

And, although Lescott insists he would like to sign an extension to his contract at City, he would not be happy to play so little again and risk his England place.

"It would be tough to have another season like this," said Lescott.

"I've only started 14 games and that is not great going into a World Cup.

"If my place in the squad was secure at international level then it would be a little bit easier.

"But I only got into the last squad by default.

"It was a reality check and made me realise I need to make a decision and it needs to be the right one for my career."

Lescott, a boyhood Villa fan, was linked to the club in the January transfer window when Paul Lambert described him as a "top player" and refused to rule out a move.

However, he is on a huge salary at the Etihad Stadium and would have to take a significant cut to fit into Villa's current wage and spending policy.

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