West Ham to revitalise Villa outcast Richards with Deadline Day loan
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After a difficult start to the season, West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is looking to boost his defensive options by signing Micah Richards in a Deadline Day deal.
The Villa skipper is set to move to the east Londoners on a season-long loan, with Richards seemingly unfancied by new boss Roberto Di Matteo.
Richards has made just one appearance so far – in the EFL Cup – and it appears his nightmare spell in the Midlands will come to a temporary end.
The Hammers have kept just two clean sheets in their last 13 Premier League games and it’s hoped Richards’ arrival can steady the ship at the back.
There’s no problem with the Hammers’ offensive powers – when fit – counting the likes of Dimitri Payet and Andre Ayew among their squad.
The signing of Richards then could be a key one for the Irons, who finished seventh last season, missing out on a Champions League place by just four points.
It could be an excellent move for the player too, who was hotly-tipped to become a Premier League great during his time with Manchester City.
Bilic’s own experience as a no-nonsense defender could see Richards thrive, and that in turn could be a major boost for the Hammers.
It hasn’t been the easiest start for West Ham this year – they’ve already travelled to Chelsea and Man City – but they will be hoping for a second win of the campaign at home to Watford a week on Saturday.
The bookies make the Hammers 4/5 favourites, and those odds will likely be shored up should Richards feature in that defence.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
