Aston Villa defender Micah Richards is set to be forced into retirement.
The Daily Mail says Richards is set to call time on his career in the summer at the age of 30.
Richards has struggled to recover from long-term knee issues and has not played a senior game at Aston Villa since October 2016.
The ex-Manchester City man, who has won 13 England caps, has failed to work his way into Dean Smith's plans and will be out of contract at Villa Park at the end of the season.
Richards has informed friends he intends to retire in the summer rather than seeking a new deal elsewhere.
A right meniscus problem which can swell with exercise has been the persistent problem for Richards, with a tailored fitness plan failing to do the trick.