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Former England defender Micah Richards is reportedly set to call time on his career in the summer at the age of 30.

Richards has struggled to recover from long-term knee issues and has not played a senior game at Aston Villa since October 2016.

The ex-Manchester City man, who has won 13 England caps, has failed to work his way into Dean Smith's plans and will be out of contract at Villa Park at the end of the season.

According to the Daily Mail , Richards has informed friends he intends to retire in the summer rather than seeking a new deal elsewhere.

(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

A right meniscus problem which can swell with exercise has been the persistent problem for Richards, with a tailored fitness plan failing to do the trick.

Smith noted that he was "not near fitness to be in contention" back in October and he's been unable to get back to first-team action.

Richards, who became England's youngest ever defender at 18-years-old in 2006, could seek a pay-as-you-play deal but looks extremely likely to focus on business interests away from the game.