Micah Richards holds Sunderland talks?

Manchester City defender Micah Richards has reportedly held discussions with Sunderland over a season-long loan move to the Stadium of Light.

It is believed that the 26-year-old has been told by City manager Manuel Pellegrini that he is surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium.

The champions would prefer the England international to depart the club on a permanent basis, but they would also consider loan approaches.

That has alerted Sunderland boss Gus Poyet, who is initially keen to sign Richards for the remainder of the campaign, with a view to making the move permanent next summer, according to The Mirror.

Richards has just one year left to run on his contract at City.