Newcastle chasing Man City's defender Micah Richards

Manchester City defender Micah Richards is growing increasingly frustrated with a lack of playing time at the Etihad Stadium and there appears to be talk of a loan transfer deal that would see the defender move to Newcastle in January.

Micah Richards is concerned that Manuel Pellegrini continues to play Pablo Zabaleta as his first choice right back and is anxious that, in a World Cup year, a lack of first team playing time is sure to hurt his chances of a place in England's squad for a potential trip to Brazil next summer.


Richards had been linked with a transfer away from Pellegrini's side last summer, with Arsenal and Chelsea both making enquiries for the 25-year-old. However, Richards instead decided to open contract talks and declared that his long term future would be with City.


However Richards has yet to play a Premier League game this year, with just one appearance in the League Cup and in Europe. The defender has instructed his agent to contact upper management regarding his long term future at the club and will pursue a move elsewhere if he receives no playing time guarantees.


Newcastle are amongst the sides ready to make a move should City let the player leave on loan. Alan Pardew is a huge fan of the defender and wants to rotate current first choice right back Mathieu Debuchy with Richards. Pardew will pay up to £500,000 for a six month loan deal for a player who has so far remained fiercely loyal to City.