Tottenham are confident of beating Aston Villa for Manchester City defender Micah Richards.

The Mirror says Tottenham believe they can beat Aston Villa to Richards' signature, with City boss Mark Hughes widely expected to sacrifice the youngster for more experience in the January transfer window.

Harry Redknapp has struggled to fill the right-back position at White Hart Lane, with present incumbents Vedran Corluka and Alan Hutton failing to sparkle.

Redknapp failed with a summer move for England right-back Glen Johnson, who eventually moved to Liverpool for £18million for Portsmouth.

But Spurs are confident that they can land Richards when the transfer window reopens.