The Aston Villa captain, Micah Richards, can leave the club for £5 million, it has emerged. Richards has a release clause inserted into the four-year contract he signed in June and is likely to be a high-profile departure as Villa prepare for the Championship.

Villa will make many of their big earners available as they attempt to slash the wage bill and Richards is likely to emerge as a target for Premier League clubs despite a difficult first season.

Sunderland were interested in the England international in January and could revive their interest in the summer, with £5 million the price required to trigger his exit.