Sunderland will again make a play for Micah Richards according to a report in the Shields Gazette.

The Manchester City defender is currently on loan with Italian club Fiorentina and comes out of contract at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season.

It is believed that the Black Cats are set to go after Richards again after missing out on him last summer when Gus Poyet opted to sign Sebastian Coates on loan from Liverpool instead.

Richards, 26, is available on a free transfer in the summer transfer window leaving him open to Sunderland who are keen to bolster their defensive stocks provided they avoid relegation.