The Hammers could be about the end the defender’s Villa Park nightmare.
Micah Richards
West Ham United are set to sign Aston Villa defender Micah Richards on loan, the Sun reports (Wednesday edition, page 52).
Richards endured a nightmare first season at Villa Park, culminating in the Villans’ first relegation for 29 years.
And the former England international is not fancied by new boss Roberto Di Matteo, who has handed him a solitary English Football League Cup appearance all season.
Roberto Di Matteo
A move to Turkish side Trabzonspor was mooted last week (Turkish Football), however Richards looks set to be handed a Premier League lifeline – should the Sun’s report prove accurate.
West Ham are short on numbers at the back, with Joey O’Brien, James Tomkins and Reece Burke (loan) all allowed to leave to London Stadium this summer.
James Tomkins (right)
And Richards’ ability to play at both right-back and the heart of the defence will no doubt appeal to Hammers boss Slaven Bilic.
The 28-year-old, who had a spell on loan to Fiorentina in 2014-15, spent a decade in Manchester City’s first team set up – winning the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League a year later.
Manchester City players celebrate winning the Premier League
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