Rangers latest: Warburton targets Joleon Lescott & Martyn Waghorn fitness boost

RANGERS boss Mark Warburton is hoping Joleon Lescott could be the solution to his side’s defensive problems.

Reports suggest that the Aston Villa player is a main target for the Ibrox boss as he looks to strengthen in defence.

Warburton is understood to be meeting Lescott for contract talks this afternoon.

Lescott, who turned 34 today, has a year left on his deal at the Championship side but appears to be surplus to requirements.

He’s yet to feature for Villa this season under new boss Roberto Di Matteo.

Meanwhile, Warburton has received a boost as striker Martyn Waghorn started running sooner than expected following a hamstring injury.

Waghorn looks a safe bet to be fit in time for the trip to Celtic Park on September 10 after initially being ruled out for two to three weeks following a scan last Tuesday.

Warburton said: “Waggy has made great progress, and credit to him and the medical team. He is out jogging and they will gradually increase the loading. We won’t welcome him back too soon but he is certainly way ahead of the curve.”

The Ibrox boss added: “Jason Holt will have another appointment this week. He has an ongoing ankle problem which hopefully can be resolved fairly quickly and that is why he wasn’t involved on Saturday.

“Jason had an operation previously on the ankle and he rolled it in training. We hoped it would have resolved itself but then he had some discomfort.

“He is too important to risk, and players’ welfare is a key aspect to us so we will get him looked at and make sure he is okay. Hopefully we can welcome him back very shortly.”

Matt Crooks started full training on Monday as he bids to make his debut following ankle surgery, while Josh Windass is close to rejoining his team-mates following a nerve problem.