3) Micah Richards, Aston Villa (formerly a free agent)
Having been a free agent after leaving his contract at the Etihad Stadium, the defender could have been a cheaper option in the position.
Having experience at the highest level with England and Manchester City, it is unlikely the defender would have been too error-prone in the Premier League.
Aston Villa secured the international in the end, and it could well be that he does well enough there to earn a move back to one of Europe’s giants.
Liverpool had been interested according to the Daily Star.