The Aston Villa ace could be a fantastic signing for Sunderland.
Newly-appointed Black Cats boss Simon Grayson has a lot of work to do at the Stadium of Light this summer, if he is to galvanise his troops ahead of the start of the new Championship season.
Sunderland were woeful last term from start to finish, and eventually suffered relegation form the Premier League for the first time in 11 years.
One particular area of concern for Grayson will be his defensive options, after his side conceded 69 goals in 38 Premier League outings last season.
With this in mind, the addition of an established centre-back will surely feature highly on the former Preston North End boss’ agenda, and an interesting option for them could be Villa defender Micah Richards.
Aston Villa’s Micah Richards
According to the Mirror, Steve Bruce is willing to sanction his exit this summer, and with his vast experience and undoubted quality, the 29-year-old could prove to be a great asset to the Wearsiders.
The former Manchester City man is incredibly strong and athletic, and possesses all of the attributes required to succeed for the Black Cats in what will undoubtedly be a long and physically punishing campaign in the Championship.
Richards is also wonderfully versatile, and can operate in either the right-back or centre-back positions with distinction.
He has just two years remaining on his current deal at Villa Park,and that combined with the fact that Bruce is reportedly so eager to sell him could mean that Sunderland can pick him up for a bargain price.
And if Grayson manages to bring Richards to the Stadium of Light, it could prove to be a signing of real significance for the Wearside outfit.
Aston Villa’s Micah Richards
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