Micah Richards has rejected Manchester City's latest contract offer - a move which could spark a three-way battle for his signature between AC Milan, Inter Milan and Chelsea.
The 25-year-old has held talks with City officials about extending his current deal - which expires in 2015 - but is reportedly refusing to commit his future to the club.
And that could now see new manager Manuel Pellegrini cash in on the England ace, with City keen not to find themselves in a situation where Richards gets to the end of next season with just one year remaining, a position that would weaken the north-west club's bargaining power.
Richards was a top target for Inter manager Walter Mazzarri during his time at Napoli and it is believed the new San Siro chief will again go for the highly-rated defender.
AC Milan, meanwhile, have been advised to land the Blues star by former team-mate Mario Balotelli, who believes the powerful defender could be a huge success in Serie A.
Jose Mourinho is also a known admirer of Richards and tried to take the player to Chelsea in his first spell as Stamford Bridge chief, as well as during his time at Inter and Real Madrid.
With the Blues in the market for a defender it is believed the Portuguese has been given encouragement by the news of Richards' refusal to sign a new deal and is preparing an offer.
SOURCE:
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/130624/exclusive-trio-chase-micah-richards-after-defender-rejects-m#ixzz2XCCgBvWg
