With Omar Gonzalez and Juninho departing for new homes south of the border, the LA Galaxy might be ready to import some defensive steel from across the Atlantic.
The five-time MLS Cup champions are mulling moves for AC Milan defensive midfielder Nigel de Jong and Aston Villa center back Joleon Lescott, according to new reports from Goal.com and ESPNFC. The Galaxy have already been linked to veteran Englishman Ashley Cole this winter, with head coach Bruce Arena telling the LA Times that the club is "close" to agreeing terms with the left back late last month.
Lescott, 33, boasts 26 caps with England's national team and more than 500 appearances in his homeland's top divisions. He has more than a year left on his contract but could potentially be acquired at a discount given last-place Villa's serious danger of relegation from the English Premier League.
“[The] Galaxy are monitoring Lescott's situation at Villa Park closely,” writes ESPNFC's Peter O'Rourke, “and could offer him a way out of the club during this month's transfer window as Villa – currently 11 points away from safety – contemplate life outside the Premier League next season.”
De Jong, 31, has even longer to run on his current deal with Milan. But he's been relegated to a reserve role with the Italian giants, making just five appearances this season..
“Sources tell Goal USA the Galaxy would sign De Jong using part of the Targeted Allocation Money given to teams by MLS last month,” writes Ives Galarcep, who also claims that LA are close to bringing free agent Mike Magee back to StubHub Center.
