Liverpool have reportedly moved a step closer to signing Manchester City defender Micah Richards.

After a disappointing season mostly spent battling with a number of injuries, Richards has seen himself fall even further down the pecking order, with recent arrival Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta set to fight it out for the right-back spot in Manuel Pellegrini's side.

According to The Mirror, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to take advantage of the situation as he looks to add to his defensive options ahead of the new campaign.

The report claims that the 26-year-old's ability to comfortably play at full-back or in the centre of defence is a big factor for Rodgers, who is believed to be planning talks with the England international in the near future.

Newcastle United have also been linked with Richards this summer, but the arrival of Daryl Janmaat could see them pull out of the race.