Manchester United are ready to test Manchester City's resolve over defender Micah Richards.

The Daily Mail says Sir Alex Ferguson thought his immediate chances of landing Richards had been scuppered when the 19-year-old agreed a new five-year deal worth in the region of £2.3million-a-year.

But doubts over Sven Goran Eriksson's future and a belief that City may want to cash in on their £20m-rated asset to fund new signings have left Richards considering his options.