Joleon Lescott has described Carlos Tevez’s return to Manchester City as a new signing.

The Argentine international had been banished from the first team picture due to his well-publicised spat with Roberto Mancini in Munich.

Tevez, though, has now apologised and is back in City’s plans as they look to overhaul rivals United and win a first league title since 1968.

"He's like a new signing. He's not been injured so he is not going to be struggling too much in terms of sharpness and fitness," Lescott told Sky Sports News.

"All the boys are excited and can't wait for him to get playing again. Over the last two years he has probably performed at the highest consistent level as anyone else.”

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