Newcastle United are expected to give Arsenal a clear run at Manchester City fullback Micah Richards.

Richards will be offered to a host of clubs after deciding his future no longer lies with moneybags City.

However, United are eager to hold on to Mathieu Debuchy and that Richards' reported £72,000 per week wages would not fit into Newcastle's pay scale, says the Evening Chronicle.

Richards is out of contract next year and would be available for £8million.

He has also been linked with Arsenal but the Magpies are looking at other positions and a striker and winger are the priority going into the summer transfer window