Aston Villa close to Micah Richards capture

Aston Villa have offered a contract to former Manchester City defender Micah Richards.

The former England international is a free-agent following the expiry of his contract at the Citizens earlier in the month.

The talented right-back spent last season on loan at Fiorentina, where he was highly unsuccessful making just 19 appearances in the process.

It is now understood that the Villans have offered the 26-year-old with a chance to revive his career in the English top tier.

Premier League newcomers Watford and Bournemouth have also been associated with Richards in recent weeks.