Walsall boss keen to look at Lescott

Walsall manager Chris Hutchings has refused to rule out a move for free agent Aaron Lescott.

The left-back is available after being released by Bristol Rovers and is expected to join the Saddlers for pre-season training next week.

Hutchings needs to bolster his threadbare defence following Mark Hughes and Jamie Vincent leaving the club and admits he is keen on the 31-year-old.

The manager said: "Aaron knows the game and has plenty of games under his belt so he's someone we're looking at.

"We're looking at utility players and we may have a look at him.

"He can play left-back, right-back and midfield at a push."

Hutchings has just three senior defenders on the books for next season and Lescott's versatility will appeal with cash at tight at the club.

The Saddlers are dealing in the bargain basement and Birmingham-born Lescott won't demand big money, but League Two Port Vale are also interested.

Lescott started as a trainee at Villa but made a £100,000 switch to Sheffield Wednesday in 2000, after just one appearance for the claret and blues.

A three year spell at Stockport followed before joining Rovers in 2004, making 234 appearances scoring five goals.

Lescott, the older brother of former Wolves ace Joleon, didn't score in his first 165 games for Rovers before netting twice in the Pirates' 5-0 win at the Banks's Stadium in March 2009.

But the utility man was frozen out at the Memorial Stadium last season and finished the campaign on loan at League Two club Cheltenham.

Hutchings is also in the market for a new goalkeeper, following Rene Gilmartin's switch to join Championship side Watford yesterday.

The manager has already signed Jonny Brain but wants competition for the new-boy, after losing Gilmartin and seeing Clayton Ince retire last season.

He said: "We are looking for another goalkeeper as well. We'd like someone slightly younger than Jonny, someone 20 to 21-years-old with a bit of pedigree behind them.

"Someone who might not have had a chance to play an awful lot, as most Premier League and Championship clubs keep three goalkeepers on board.

"Hopefully we can get someone on a permanent deal, we will have a look at one or two and have some irons in the fire."