Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood makes Manchester City defender Micah Richards his first summer signing
Micah Richards has agreed a four-year deal with Aston Villa to become Tim Sherwood’s first signing of the summer.Richards passed his medical at Villa’s training ground on Tuesday and is determined to revive his career in the Premier League after leaving Manchester City.
The former England international, 26, also held talks with West Ham United and Sunderland but his signing will be officially confirmed by Villa in the next few days.Sherwood has told Richards he views him as a centre-half, rather than a right-back, with uncertainty still surrounding the future of Ron Vlaar.
Villa have offered Vlaar a new deal but the club’s former captain is keeping his options open and may opt to leave on a free transfer.
Richards, however, is keen to make an impression at Villa Park and Sherwood is hopeful of making further signings before the squad returns for pre-season.
Many of Sherwood’s fringe players are expected to leave, with Carles Gil, Aly Cissokho, Andreas Weimann and Philippe Senderos facing the exit.
Matthew Lowton, the defender, is set to be the first departure after Burnley opened talks over a £1 million deal.
Burnley want Lowton as a replacement for Kieran Trippier, who is joining Spurs, and are close to agreeing a fee.
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