Aston Villa are said to be in the market this summer for a defender this summer to act as a replacement in the event that Martin Laursen’s injuries mount over the next year or so. But is this player being linked with the club really a good option?

Aston Villa will make a fresh move in the summer for Micah Richards amid growing fears about Martin Laursen’s long-term fitness.

Martin O’Neill enquired last month about signing Manchester City centre-back Richards, 20, for around £8million.

But City were not willing to sell their homegrown star until getting a replacement – and they failed to land Everton’s Joleon Lescott.

Villa still believe they could snap up England international Richards in the summer though, following his indifferent form this term. (Daily Mirror)

Richards has had a falling out at the club recently, and from the looks of it, he could be out this summer for the right price. The right price is probably the key phrase, as City have already made it clear that they wouldn’t allow the defender to leave on the cheap. One has to wonder if Villa will be able to part with the funds necessary to release Richards from his current club.

Also, do Villa supporters even wants Richards’ baggage at the club? He hasn’t been the model citizen at City, so who’s to say he’d change his ways at Villa? Martin O’Neill has a great thing going right now; the last thing he wants is a player that could muck it all up.

What do Villa supporters think? Would you pay to have Richards at your club?

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