Pearce: Richards going nowhere
Stuart Pearce says that Micah Richards will not be leaving Maine Road
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Thursday, 28, Dec 2006 01:47
Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce has said his side's star defender Micah Richards will not be leaving the club in the January transfer window.
Richards, who made his England debut against Holland last month, had been linked to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea by media reports. The Blues were rumoured to be considering paying £18 million to shore up their side's struggling defence.
Now Pearce has stepped in to deny such claims, saying that the club's relative financial prosperity meant the 18-year-old will not be leaving Eastlands in the near future.
"I am delighted we have interest in our players because it means those players are doing well," Pearce said.
"But I must remind everyone that Manchester City are not in the situation they were two years ago, when we had to sell. Players will only leave this club if it benefits the club."
Pearce added that Shaun Wright-Phillips might be heading north from Stamford Bridge, raising the possibility of a return to Maine Road for the 25-year-old winger.
Manchester City are currently 13th in the Premiership after winning 1-0 away against Sheffield United in their Boxing Day game.