England international Micah Richards maybe the second Englishman to join Roma this summer after reports emerged that the 26-year-old is a transfer target for the Italian club. The Italian Serie A runners-up recently brought in Ashley Cole on a free transfer from Chelsea. The former England left back is regarded as one of the finest in the world. He may have approached the end of his career, but Roma were left extremely convinced with his fitness levels that they have offered him a new two-year contract.
Richards has played very little football in the last few years, but that does not seem to deter him from being attracted to the likes of Roma and Sunderland.
For the last few weeks, it was heavily speculated that the former England international, still just 26 years old, is wanted by the likes of Sunderland, but Roma have entered into the picture at the last moment. Their entry will significantly alter proceedings since the defender may be interested by the prospect of playing in the Champions League. Sunderland are expected to struggle against relegation in the coming campaign despite the positive finish to last season. Roma, meanwhile, finished only second to Juventus in the title race last season and are once again set to challenge for the league.
It is rumoured that City are demanding around £ 4 million in order to allow the defender to leave. This may be seen as excessive by many clubs considering that the player has only 12 months left on his contract. Richards was a regular first-team player for City until a few years ago when Pablo Zabaleta emerged as a contender for the right back position. Equally adept at playing centre back, Richards found himself being forced out of the team due to the presence of Vincent Kompany in the central defence.
