MARK Warburton hit out at Aston Villa owner Dr Tony Xia yesterday, claiming comments on social media blaming Rangers for Joleon Lescott’s transfer falling through were “absolute nonsense”.
Former England international Lescott was expected to be paraded at Murray Park on Friday afternoon, with a two-year deal looking set to be concluded, only for “family reasons” to be cited as the move failed to come off.
Xia took to Twitter to contradict that story, posting: “No. Lescott didn’t feel happy with personal term missed which the boss promised. RDM [Roberto Di Matteo] & I are men clear with words!”
Rangers manager Warburton was questioned about the remark after his side’s 2-1 win over Motherwell at Ibrox.
“Let me be really clear on this, it’s absolute nonsense,” he said. “The personal terms were all agreed, it’s nothing to do with that. The player decided to keep his family in Manchester. He’s well settled with three young children. It’s absolute nonsense to say anything other than that.
“The fact he was up here tells you there wasn’t a problem and it was really a big decision on the player’s part. I understand that. Three young children, it’s a huge decision.”
Warburton was unable to get Lescott, but he did manage to introduce a new signing yesterday afternoon in the form of Joe Garner.
The 28-year-old striker completed terms on a three-year contract, following a transfer from Preston North End thought to have cost Rangers in the region of £1.8 million.
Garner was greeted warmly by the Rangers support at half-time and could go into the team to face Kilmarnock on Friday night.
“It’s great to get it over the line and now I’m looking forward to getting going,” said the frontman. “There was a fantastic atmosphere, a great finish and the lads will be buzzing.
“The club has a great history, it’s massive. Driving here with my family you could sense the atmosphere.”
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