City's Lescott open to January loan move

Manchester City will listen to offers for a group of peripheral players when the January transfer window opens, but are not actively seeking to trim their squad and wish to avoid subsidising salaries.

Joleon Lescott, the defender who cost £24 million (Dh139m) from Everton in 2009, admitted yesterday he will look to leave Eastlands if he cannot earn more regular playing time as he believes he will soon lose his place in the England squad.

"I'm not happy with the situation," said Lescott. "I don't enjoy sitting on the bench, and sometimes not even making the bench."

Lescott said he would be open to a loan if his salary and transfer fee ruled out a permanent move.

"That's down to myself and the club," Lescott said. "The club might say 'If there's a chance to play, go and play' and, if not, I will have to stay here."

Wayne Bridge, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Emmanuel Adebayor, Shay Given, Roque Santa Cruz and Adam Johnson have all expressed their frustration at the lack of appearances this season but Roberto Mancini, the club's Italian manager, is keen to retain the size of his squad to ensure the club push for silverware on three fronts.

The prospect of challenging for the Premier League title, the FA Cup and the Europa League - as well as the chance of playing Champions League football - coupled with the unlikelihood of managing to secure a deal on similar terms elsewhere, could force any disaffected players to reassess their future.

The possibility of being excluded by Uefa from European competition in three years time under incoming Financial Fair Play regulations factor is not likely to alter the club's thinking in January though.

City announced a loss of £121m for the year ending 31 May 2010, but must reduce this deficit to an aggregate shortfall of €45m (£38.3 m) over the next three seasons or risk exclusion.