Micah Richards is 'Harry Redknapp's top defensive transfer target'

[mawspurs]

Source: Metro

Micah Richards is the man Harry Redknapp wants to strengthen Tottenham Hotspur's defence, according to a report.

Spurs have long-term doubts about the fitness of centre-backs Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate, while a lack of cover at right-back also caused problems last term.

The versatile Richards could provide cover for both positions and, according to the Sunday Mirror, Redknapp is lining up a £6 million bid for the Manchester City star.

Richards has struggled to impress City boss Roberto Mancini and has also failed to make a positive impression on England manager Fabio Capello, having been a regular in the national team under Steve McClaren.

The 21-year-old has not asked for a transfer, but the prospect of a fresh start and playing Champions League football at Spurs may well appeal to him.

Redknapp is also rumoured to be planning moves for Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun and Chelsea's out of contract midfielder Joe Cole, but could face a battle to hold on to Luka Modric.

According to the Mail on Sunday, the Croatian playmaker is now a target for double winners Chelsea, having previously been linked with Manchester United.

[nferno]

would be a good coup, bothers me that hes a l'arse fan tho.

[agill2000]

would be an awesome signing...redknapp can get the best out of him...he' young, english and full of potential.

[Sarsipius]

Get him in, the guy's a monster and should he get back to his best then we'll have a top player on our hands. Improvement on Corluka I'd say.

[kelloggs]

Only problem is he has had a bit of a drink issue, and would a move to the bright lights to a team, who lets be fair are not short of drinkers, be a good move?? I would take him at £6m and sell eirther Naughton or walker, or both?

[joe_bazza]

Not sure he's the type of character I'd want at the club, but if anyone can get his head straight its Harry. Him and Lennon would probably be the paciest right side in world football too.

[JermainManDan]

Not as good as some people think, tho Harry could improve him. Would take him on for the right price.

[bryanabutler]

We can do better

[striebs]

Was once very promising but now a one trick pony . Show the opposition outside and barge him over the touchline .

[spurs_viola]

I would not be surprised if Harry was indeed very keen on Richards, but would find it disappointing. I agree with those who think he would not be an upgrade on what we already have, and it looks like he does not have a very professional attitude.
I believe there are good reasons why he lost his place in Mancini's and Capello's line-ups who both seem to think he has not progressed as he should have and is a limited player now.

[gloryglory]

Will people never learn? You don't write anyone off at 21 - and especially not a defender!

I doubt City will sell him, in all honesty -but if they did, and £6m was realistic, we should bite their hands off. We will need cover in all positions, and for a 21 year old right back with international experience and obvious talent (even with immaturity issues), £6m - less than we paid for Naughton - is a steal.

[boris]

Exactly. He's 21.

[GetSpurredOn]

Decent signing if we can get him for the right price, I have no doubts Harry can deal with his attitude and keep him on the straight and narrow, help him fulfill his potential. Plays Rb or CB comfortably, but also been known to play in midfield to add some bite when needed. I think if he's mentally right, he's just the signing we need in defence should King and especially Woodgate continue to have fitness issues, though ideally more as a long term CB with the two Kyle's on the horizon at RB. That said I thought Kaboul did well towards the end of the season.

[Shirtfront]

I will never cease to be amazed by the lack of maturity shown by people on here who write off players for their immaturity, particularly when those players are 21.

[spurs_viola]

Funny how most of the people who protest about criticising this 21 year old player's attitude don't have a problem writing off a 20 year old Gio for the same reasons...One has played regular Prem league football for 3 seasons now and had everything going for him, the other arrived in the country 2 years ago and since then had a lot of disruption in the team he joined, as well as the manager who does not believe in him as much as the one who signed him.

[GetSpurredOn]

Ahh yes, Gio, I still wouldn't mind seeing him given another shot with us, offers a decent option on either flank as an alternative should any of Lennon/Bale be injured, a little different and more direct than Modric/Kranjcar. If he goes, so be it, we have talent remaining to offset his loss, but if he stays, give him a chance to showcase his skills.

[JoeT]

I disagree with your assessment that Richards would not be much of an upgrade to what we have 'viola...' With his current athleticism and strength he in all probability could be added to that list of players who came here with great potential and blossomed Under H.R.
As for his unprofessional attitude, again we should maybe wait and see what effect the Spur's coaching staff has on him.

[jenko]

would be amazed if this weren't true. Redknapp mentioned him a good while ago and he's big and English. Redknapp will turn him into a fantastic player given the time.

[1882andallthat]

With him being squeezed out by City who have their own aspirations would it suit him coming to us as we clearly have high aspirations because with that in mid Im not sure he'd get a starting place and he may find he's merely swapped one bench for another.

Decent cover but for his own career he'd be better off going to a lower premier league team because like O'Hara he will get more first team opportunities.

I too agree with players being written off at such an early age in their careers, I mean cast your mind back a little over 12 months and a few on the site were writing Bale off!!! And with a bit of patience he's bided his time and taken his chance and come good when given the opportunity in the absence of BAE.

[Khilari]

king and possibly woody 1st choice? though i'd say dawson is good enough to keep Woody out of the team on present form

But then Bassong and Kaboul for the central positions means we'd have to prob sell one of them to keep the squad happy and not waste money on wages, surely

I reckon Kaboul is a much improved player and if he keeps improving, could be ideal

Though Micah is a phenomena player.