The Aston Villa man could be a useful addition to the Newcastle United squad this summer.
Magpies boss Rafa Benitez allowed Vurnon Anita to leave the club on a free transfer this summer, and will subsequently be looking for an established right-back to fill the void left behind by the Dutchman.
The Spaniard is also keen on adding another centre-back, with the futures of Grant Hanley and Ciaran Clark uncertain to say the very least.
With this in mind, Benitez could kill two birds with one stone by signing Aston Villa’s Micah Richards, who has been made available for transfer by Steve Bruce, according to the Express & Star.
The 29-year-old’s career has somewhat stagnated over the past few years, after being labelled as one of England’s most promising youngsters, when he burst onto the scene with Manchester City more than a decade ago.
Aston Villa’s Micah Richards
The powerful defender still has a lot to offer at the highest level though, and his ability to fill in at both right-back and centre-back will surely appeal to the Newcastle manager.
Richards is one of the most physically imposing defenders in the English game, and despite his large frame, he still possesses bags of pace.
His experience and know-how could prove to be crucial to the Toon’s hopes of remaining in the Premier League next season, with so many of their current stars lacking top flight pedigree.
Whilst the Villa man’s recent struggles have been well-documented, his true class cannot be doubted, and the 13 caps he has earned for England is evidence of the talent that he possesses.
Richards still has two years remaining on his current deal at Villa Park, but with Bruce so keen to move him on, Newcastle shouldn’t have to pay too much to secure the services of the powerful 29-year-old.
And it could turn out to be a real coup for Rafa.
Aston Villa’s Micah Richards
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