Leeds United have been linked with a shock move for former England defender Joleon Lescott.

Reports suggest Aston Villa have told the 33-year-old he can leave the Midlands club after a poor season last year and Garry Monk is keen on taking him to Leeds.

Lescott was criticised last campaign for his performances and his behaviour off the pitch - with the defender tweeting a picture of a Porsche hours after a 6-0 home defeat to Liverpool.

The Telegraph claim Roberto Di Matteo will let the centre-back go for free this summer in a bid to lower the wage bill at Villa Park.

Aston Villa have just completed the Championship record £12m signing of Ross McCormack and they are targeting Abel Hernandez as the Scotsman's strike partner, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The Uruguayan netted 22 times for Hull City last season, but the club is now in turmoil following Steve Bruce's resignation.

Hull City's Abel Hernandez

Newcastle united have already stolen in to snatch Mohamed Diame from the Tigers and Villa are reportedly ready to do the same and bring Hernandez back into the Championship.

It is thought the 25-year-old has a £10m release clause in his contract.

Fulham lost McCormack to the Villans and are now on the hunt for a replacement goal-getter.

The Cottagers also sold second striker Mouusa Dembele to Celtic and are now racing against the clock to plug the gaps in their starting XI.

The London side have been knocked back in their first approach for a forward however, with the Daily Mail claiming Montpellier rejected a £2.5m bid for striker Steve Mounie.

The Benin international scored 11 goals while on loan at Nimes last season and signed a new three-year deal with his parent club in the summer.

Fulham are also thought to be interested in signing James Wilson on loan from Manchester United, but no formal approach has yet been made.

Will Buckley in action for Birmingham City

Sheffield Wednesday have added to their ranks ahead of the new season, bringing in winger Will Buckley on loan from Sunderland.

The former Brighton midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at Birmingham City, notching one goal in his 10 appearances.

Buckley is available for the Owls' opener at Aston Villa this weekend.

Reading have also brought in a wide-man with former Charlton winger Callum Harriott penning a three-year deal at the Madejski.

The 22-year-old spent time on loan at Colchester last season, but notched up 12 goals in his 95 appearances for the Addicks.

Harriott had been at Charlton from the age of eight, but will be eligible to play for Reading in their season opener against Preston on Saturday.