Micah Richards has urged Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson to bring Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe to Eastlands.

He declared: "If I could choose anyone I'd like to see my good mate Jermain Defoe sign for us. I think it'd be a great move for him too."

The versatile defender also acknowledges Joey Barton's move to Newcastle during the summer was the best thing for all parties following his training-ground bust-up with Ousmane Dabo.

Richards said: "He'd been involved in a number of previous incidents at the club and I think he probably just thought he needed a fresh start.".