Micah Richards to make Newcastle free transfer

Newcastle United are to make free agent Micah Richards their first signing of the summer. Richards spent last campaign playing on loan in Italy for Serie A side Fiorentina.

After failing to impress the Italian club sufficiently to be offered a new deal, Richards has returned to England and his agent has already been in contact with five teams regarding a move.

Newcastle United have broken ground in the contract discussions with Richards' representatives and it is understood that the defender has already agreed a four year deal in principle.

A deal is expected to be wrapped up sometime within the next fortnight.