Liverpool are reportedly considering a summer approach for Manchester City defender Micah Richards.

The Reds are in the market for a centre-back, with veteran Jamie Carragher set to retire at the end of the season and the out-of-favour Sebastian Coates expected to be sold. According to the Daily Mirror, Brendan Rodgers is now keen on Richards, who can operate as centre-half or right-back.

Micah Richards
Reuters

The 24-year-old has spent the majority of this season on the treatment table and has managed just four appearances so far. However, the England international does not lack suitors, with long-time admirers Arsenal, Real Madrid, Juventus and PSG all understood to be keeping tabs on the player and providing competition to Liverpool.

City, who generally deploy Richards as a full-back, have Pablo Zabaleta and Maicon as cover. However, the champions are still reluctant to let the defender leave and are likely to demand around £15m for him to stop him leaving the Etihad.

The report claims Liverpool have already made an enquiry regarding Richard's availability. Swansea City and Wales captain Ashley Williams is understood to be on top of Rodgers' shortlist, while Ajax's Toby Alderweireld and Feyenoord's Stefan de Vrij have also been linked to the Reds.

Maicon Happy at Etihad

Maicon will not leave City at the end of the season, claims the player's father.

The Brazilian, who joined the Citizens from Inter Milan last summer, has made just 11 appearances for Roberto Mancini's side this term. The 31-year-old has now been linked with a move back to his homeland, with Atletico Mineiro believed to be interested.

"I received calls from Belo Horizonte (where Mineiro is based) asking if Maicon is there but he is in England. He is happy at the club and has a contract until 2015. He was playing for the youth team to be match fit as he got injured recently. It's complicated to say what will happen but for now his focus is on Manchester. But we know how dynamic football is," the defender's father said.

Real Madrid