Aston Villa reportedly blocked Micah Richards from leaving on transfer deadline day.
Aston Villa stopped Micah Richards from leaving the club on transfer deadline day, according to The Birmingham Mail.
According to the report, Villa blocked the defender’s exit as they see him as an important player for the team this season.
The Villans are aiming to win promotion from the Championship to the Premier League this campaign.
The Birmingham Mail has claimed that Richards was open to leaving Villa Park and would have considered a return to the Premier League.
It has been reported that Besiktas wanted to sign the Englishman, but the defender did not fancy relocating to Istanbul.
Richards has yet to make an appearance in the Championship this season, but, according to The Birmingham Mail, the former Manchester City defender has continued to work hard in training.
Villa have made a disappointing start to the 2016-17 Championship campaign and find themselves as low as 16th in the league table at the moment.
Roberto Di Matteo’s side will return to action on Sunday afternoon when they take on Nottingham Forest at Villa Park in the Championship.
It will be tough for the Villans to finish in the top six of the Championship this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
