Trabzonspor are closing on a deal for Aston Villa defender Micah Richards.

Former Manchester City defender Richards only moved to the Championship side last year but has endured a difficult time in the Midlands.

The Sun says Villa were prepared to let the experienced defender leave in the summer.

West Ham was one of a number of clubs linked with a move but no takers came forward.

But Trabzonspor boss Ersun Yanal has emerged as a fan of Richards and is keen to bring him to Turkey in the January transfer window.