According to the Guardian, title challengers Chelsea are looking to snap up Manchester City defender Micah Richards on a free next summer.
The 26 year old is currently on loan at Fiorentina and will be out of contract in June. Mourinho believes that the England international can be a key member of the squad if he manages to sort out his fitness issues.
Mourinho tried to sign the Manchester City player during his first spell at the London club. The Portuguese also tried to sign him for Real Madrid is believed to be an admirer of the defender.
The defender is believed to be disinterested in extending his contract with City, especially because of being behind Pablo Zabaleta in the first team pecking order. Richards is now eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with any club and the likes of Inter and Fiorentina are very much interested.
Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini remains a key admirer of Richards and is willing to sign him for Inter Milan. Richards was a regular in Mancini’s 2011 title winning campaign and would welcome the chance to be reunited with his former manager.
Further, the Manchester City defender has been a long term target for Liverpool. The Merseyside club are desperate for a right sided centre back and Micah Richards’ availability is believed to have alerted the Reds, especially considering it will be a free transfer.
Richards’ close ties with Liverpool forward, Daniel Sturridge could also prove to be decisive, should the Reds approach the defender.
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