When Fiorentina's season ends next month, Micah Richards won't be jetting off on his summer holidays.

For the moment, summer is cancelled for the defender - at least until he knows where he'll be playing next season.

His contract at Manchester City expires at the end of the season, when he becomes a free agent.

The next few months will be vital in determining whether Richards can resurrect his once burgeoning career.

Micah Richards has found playing time hard to come by during his loan move to Italian side Fiorentina

Richards joined the Serie A side after being frozen out at City - and will be on the move again this summer

He knows it, too, choosing to delay any holidays until his next destination is finalised.

Likewise, he's taken the decision to change representation, striking an agreement with Wasserman Media Group - the firm that look after Steven Gerrard.

His season-long loan in Florence hasn't been a disaster, but you can hardly call it an overwhelming success.

Unable to hold down a regular place in Vincenzo Montella's starting XI this season, Richards has had ample time to reflect on his career so far.

Tipped as the future of England's defence, Richards' career has been on steady decline.

But at the age of 26-year-old, there's time for Richards to buck that recent trend.

Richards celebrates with Yaya Toure and Gael Clichy at his boyhood club, where his contract ends this year

Ricahrds is set on a return to the Premier League, shown here in 2011 skipping past Arsenal's Gervinho

He's enjoyed his time in Italy; he likes the lifestyle. But the defender is almost certain that he wants to return to the Premier League ahead of next season.

Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini would sign Richards in a heartbeat. He tried, and failed, to sign him on loan in January.

The possibility of a permanent reunion with Mancini, who nurtured Richards' career at Manchester City, this summer is a real one for the defender.

But the drive to prove he can still be a force in England is strong. Richards has unfinished business on these shores.

Richards will not be short of suitors. Aston Villa, Southampton, Everton and West Ham are showing an interest.

On paper, a move for Richards this summer is a no brainer. A Premier League winner, close to 200 top-flight appearances under his belt, still only 26 and available on a free transfer.

The Birmingham-born 26 year old was England's first choice right-back as a youngster

You don't get many of those to the pound.

The pound, though, isn't something Richards will be too concerned with this summer.

Talk to those close to the defender, they'll tell you he simply wants to get back to playing regular football - not once every two or three weeks.

Richards, who is currently nursing a slight ankle injury, wants to be a mainstay at his next club - and that will be the determining factor when he makes his decision.

His versatility is also likely to be a major selling point. We know Richards as a right-back - but he's developed a penchant for playing as a central defender in recent seasons.

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood is willing to offer the former England man a place at the heart of his defence

And it is at centre-back where Richards sees his long-term career.

Sportsmail understands Tim Sherwood would be willing to offer Richards a slot in the heart of his defence next season in an attempt to lure him to Villa Park.

But, more than anything else, Richards knows he has to play.

Prestige will have nothing to do with his next move. If offered the chance of playing a peripheral role for a high-profile club or a regular position elsewhere, he'll choose the latter.