Aston Villa new boy Micah Richards has revealed that new team-mate Fabian Delph has asked him for his thoughts following reported interest from Manchester City.
City pursue Delph
Villa captain Delph has been linked with a move to City this summer, after it was revealed the player has an £8million buyout clause in his new contract.
Richards, who left City after 10 years at the club to join Villa on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract last week, is ideal person to offer advice.
A tough decision
Defender Richards doesn't think it's a decision that Delph should take lightly, and would not recommend moving to the Etihad without being confident of a regular starting place in the matchday squad, suggesting that "It's tough" because "Every player wants to play at the highest level, but if he's just going to be a squad player then he shouldn't go".
Struggling to hold down a place in his remaining years at City due to a series of injuries, and much to the form of Pablo Zabaleta, Richards spent the last year of his contract on a disappointing loan spell at Fiorentina.
Using the knowledge to advise Delph, Richards also used the situation of James Milner as an example, explaining that "James had played six or seven positions and still wanted to leave," as the midfielder left for Liverpool last week.
National duty
The full-back also urged Delph to consider his England future when choosing whether to pursue a move, with the European Championship's coming up next summer.
Delph broke into Roy Hodgson's national side last season after flourishing for Villa, and Richards told that "It makes it difficult because next year is the Euros," adding that if he finds playing opportunities hard to come by elsewhere, then Delph could find himself out of the team.