Liverpool only last summer signed Kolo Toure from Manchester city on a free transfer. In this upcoming transfer window, they are looking to take advantage of the Bosman transfer once again. They have been heavily linked with a move for City defender Micah Richards, who is expected to depart the Etihad stadium in the summer. The 25-year-old came through the ranks at Manchester City, but the presence of players like Pablo Zabaleta is preventing him from getting regular first-team football. As a result, he is keen on securing a move away from the club in order to improve his career.
City may be reluctant to part with him in this summer given that he has one year left on his deal, but the player has already stated that he will not be extending his contract. Even though City are one of the richest clubs in the world, they will not be able to spend beyond their means in the coming seasons after found guilty of breaching FFP regulations. Hence, they would welcome any transfer money that comes in the form of player sales. Richards, being an England international, will command a sizeable transfer fee. Liverpool along with West Ham are thought to be interested in his services.
He will cost in the region of £ 7 million, which Liverpool will find no difficulty in paying. The player, though, will consider twice about joining another big club, as his first-team opportunities may not improve at Merseyside. In comparison, a move to West Ham will almost guarantee him regular first-team football for the next few years. At 25, he is at the peak of his career. Richards has been playing with City at various levels since 2001. The club recently brought in Bacary Sagna on a free transfer from Arsenal and this is likely to reduce this opportunities even further.
