The Manchester City defender is unhappy at Eastlands and, although he is fit, was nowhere near the squad that drew 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield last weekend. Spurs are huge admirers of the 21-year-old right-back, who is understood to be aware of their interest. The north Londoners had a £5million bid for him turned down three years ago and Richards went on to sign a lucrative four-year deal with City, disappointing the likes of Chelsea, who were also interested. Since then, however, Richards’ star has fallen both on and off the pitch. Spurs believe they can not only get his career back on track but also possibly help Richards back into contention for England’s senior squad in World Cup year.
Richards remains out of England coach Fabio Capello's plans as the widespread perception of the youngster is one of a player who is not totally committed to his game. It is three years this month since Richards became England's youngest-ever defender, breaking the record previously held by Rio Ferdinand, when he played against Holland on November 15, 2006 aged 18 years and 143 days. Then he looked a certainty to succeed Manchester United defender Gary Neville as England's regular right-back.
But although he gained 11 caps during Steve McClaren’s calamitous reign, he has not featured since the defeat to Croatia two years ago. He has not been considered by Capello and he now cannot get into the City team. Spurs believe they can beat Aston Villa to Richards’ signature, with City boss Mark Hughes widely expected to sacrifice the youngster for more experience in the January transfer window. Harry Redknapp has struggled to fill the right-back position at White Hart Lane, with present incumbents Vedran Corluka and Alan Hutton failing to sparkle. Redknapp failed with a summer move for England right-back Glen Johnson, who eventually moved to Liverpool for £18million for Portsmouth. But Spurs are confident that they can land Richards when the transfer window reopens.
Olympic Stadium in the running to be named in London's list of potential 2018 World Cup hosts
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TRANSFER GOSSIP
Out-of-favour Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will reject Arsenal in favour of a move to Liverpool on loan. Daily Mirror
Burnley want to sign striker David Nugent on a permanent deal from Portsmouth when his loan deal expires. The Sun
Blackburn and Burnley are both keeping tabs on 25-year-old Lincoln goalkeeper Rob Burch.The Sun
Southend are keen to sign Crewe defender Billy Jones and Wycombe veteran Michael Duberry. (Daily Mirror)
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OTHER BOLLOX
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright's attempts to sell the club have suffered a major blow after planning permission for a new stadium was rejected.The Independent
Former Inter Milan goalkeeper Walter Zenga is being lined up as Bolton's next manager.Daily Mirror
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has laughed off Wigan chairman Dave Whelan's suggestion that the Latics' 9-1 thrashing by Tottenham was partly down to some of Bruce's "dodgy" signings when he was in charge of the side.The Times
Stamford Bridge looks likely to miss out on being one of the grounds included in England's 2018 World Cup bid as there is not enough room around the stadium but the London Olympic Stadium is likely to be included.Daily Mail
Former Sports Minster Richard Caborn wants BBC presenter and former striker Gary Lineker to join the England 2018 World Cup bid, calling him "a modern day Sir Bobby Charlton". (Daily Telegraph).
Former Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson could return to management at Sheffield United - if Kevin Blackwell is sacked. The Blades have won only one of their last nine games. Daily Mirror
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action in the Champions League on Tuesday after two months out with an ankle injury and should be available for the top-of-the-table La Liga clash with Barcelona this weekend.Daily Mirror
Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch fears the team could be broken up after their exit from the Champions League.The Guardian
WAG OF THE DAY - Jaciara
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2 ... 72-jaciara
AND FINALLY
Arsenal defender Armand Traore will have surgery in the summer to get rid of his tattoos, calling them "one of the biggest mistakes of my life". Daily Mirror
