offer for their captain as they battle the drop

Sunderland want Micah Richards to bolster their defence but have had an initial offer for Aston Villa's captain rejected.

Richards only joined Aston Villa last summer but Sam Allardyce wants to bring him to the Stadium Of Light on deadline day to help bolster his club's survival prospects, having found it difficult to do a deal for Mathieu Debuchy from Arsenal.

Villa, however, are reluctant to do business with their rivals, particularly at this late stage of the window but Sunderland would be ready to move if they are given any encouragement.

Micah Richards (left) is wanted by Sunderland as they battle to avoid relegation

The Aston Villa captain only joined the club in June 2015 signing a four-year contract

The Black Cats have previously expressed interest in the 27-year-old, under then manager Gus Poyet, who felt the Birmingham-born player's versatility could prove useful.

The former Manchester City defender, who won the Premier League in 2012, joined Aston Villa in June 2015 on a four-year contract, having spent the previous season on loan at Italian side Fiorentina.

Richards, who has won 13 England caps, was appointed Villa captain and despite his commitment to the cause, he has been unable to steer the club away from the foot of the table.

Richards (right) spent a decade with Manchester City and won the Premier League in 2012

Despite Richards giving his all for the cause he has been unable to lift Aston Villa from the foot of the league



