Newcastle Transfers: 10 Centre-Backs Magpies Must Sign

2. Micah Richards

Age: 26 Club: Manchester City (on loan at Fiorentina) Nationality: English Estimated market value: Free Transfer Club Appearances (Current, League): 10 International Caps: 13 (plus 5 for Great Britain) Manchester City are prepared to let England international right-back Micah Richards leave this summer - with Newcastle United and Sunderland heading the list of clubs interested in his signature. The 26-year-old has been on loan in Serie A with Fiorentina this season but has made just 16 appearances in Italy and is believed to want to return to England. Richards has appeared 245 times for Man City, scoring nine goals, since he made his debut back in 2005 but injury curtailed his progress. The defender, who rose up through the youth ranks in the North West, has been a bit-part player for Man City in recent seasons but would likely find himself thrust straight into the first team at either St James€™ Park or the Stadium of Light. Available on a free transfer, Newcastle cannot forego the opportunity to sign a player who can easily play either right-back or centre-back. He may have lost his way a bit in recent seasons, but the 5ft 11ins defender is quick and powerful - qualities that are most certainly lacking in the Magpies defence right now.