SWP – Micah swap on cards?

A swap deal involving Shawn Wright Phillips and Micah Richards could be on the cards in January after reports suggested Chelsea was interested in the young England full-back.

Man City manager Stuart Pearce has already announced his intention to try and lure former star Shawn Wright Phillips back to Manchester but is also desperate to hang on to young star Richards who has come of age this season.

Pearce told The Times: "I am not actively looking to sell Micah because he has a great future here.

"Whatever offers come in for him, it is going to take a ridiculously big offer to get him out of this football club."

"The offer they (Chelsea) made us for Shaun had to be in that region to get him out of here, and the financial situation was such that we had to accept that offer,"

"Things have changed at the club since then. The Shaun money is in the bank and things are on an even keel.

"While we cannot go out and spend multi-millions on players, we have not got the bank knocking on the door.

"I would love to see Micah stay here, captain the club, and maybe be here for 10 years and carry the club on his back if he can.

"He is good enough to do it. I have not worked with anyone so good and so young."

On the possibility of landing SWP Pearce added: "I think he would be extremely well received by the fans and he would give the place a big lift," Pearce explained.

"He is the sort of player that can probably earn you 10 points in a season."