Micah Richards in action for Fiorentina

Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Micah Richards, according to widespread reports.

The former Manchester City full-back, who spent last season on loan with Serie A club Fiorentina, is a free agent after leaving the Etihad Stadium.

Richards has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs, including Sunderland, Liverpool and Newcastle, but Villa look set to win the race for his signature.

Richards, who has made 13 appearances for England, has won two league titles, the FA Cup and the League Cup with City but last featured for Manuel Pellegrini's side in a home defeat to Wigan in March 2014.

Losing FA Cup finalists Villa, are keen to bolster their defensive options after conceding 57 league goals last season - a campaign which saw them escape relegation by only three points.