Micah Richards has decided he must leave Manchester City at the end of the season to further his career, with Liverpool keen adding him to their squad.

The defender, who is being courted by a number of Premier League clubs, has been out of favour under Manuel Pellegrini.

City did make the 25-year-old a contract offer but he sees his future away from the Etihad Stadium.

As well as Liverpool, West Ham United and Newcastle have registered interest in the full-back as he plots his next move.

Cited as a future England central defender when he was younger, Richards has seen injuries and City's huge investment over the past few years curtail his progression in the North West.

Pablo Zabaleta has nailed down the position, with Richards making just two league appearances for the club this season. Given the England international is destined to leave, and out of contract at the end of next season, it's in City's best interests to receive a fee.

They did make an attempt to keep Richards, but just 18 games in two years appears to have made up his mind.

Source: Daily Mail