Wenger targets Wolves' Lescott

Arsenal are tracking highly rated Wolves defender Joleon Lescott. The former England Under-21 star has attracted interest from several Premiership clubs with commanding displays for Glenn Hoddle's side this season.

Aston Villa, Charlton and Middlesbrough have all been linked with the 22-year-old, but Arsenal would be favourites if Arsene Wenger chooses to follow up an initial inquiry.

Wolves have indicated that they value Lescott at around £10 million, though it is unlikely any Premiership club would pay such a large amount for a player unproven at the top level. His contract runs until 2007.

Wenger is understood to be keen to bolster his options in central defence, which have been tested this season due to injuries suffered by Sol Campbell.

Starting out as a Wolves trainee, Lescott made his debut in 2000 and has since clocked up 160 league appearances for the Black Country side.

He missed their entire Premiership campaign in 2003-04 following keyhole surgery on both knees, but this term has been their player of the season.