Manchester City right back Micah Richards is continuing to attract interest from Newcastle United.
Richards, who spent last season on loan at Fiorentina, is surplus to requirements at the Etihad as he is behind Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna in the pecking order.
The Magpies’ pursuit of the 26-year-old may speed up as incoming manager Steve McClaren is reported to have a personal liking for the player.
However, according the Northern Echo, a potential obstacle in the move could be the Englishman’s wages. Newcastle have a wage cap of around £60,000 therefore Richards would have to accept a significant cut if he was to join.
The guarantee of first team football may make it easier to convince Richards to take the wage cut, but whether Newcastle can offer that is another matter.
The right back position is currently occupied by Dutch international Daryl Janmaat who produced consistent top drawer performances in his first season in English football. Janmaat has established himself as a key player for Newcastle and it is hard to see him losing his position to Richards. Furthermore, despite being courted by the likes of Manchester United and Southampton, Jamaat has reiterated his desire to stay at St James’ Park.
