David Moyes has rejected the chances to sign Aston Villa defender Micah Richards for Sunderland, reports the Northern Echo.
The 28-year-old is widely expected to leave Villa Park this summer and it had been reported that a £5m deal had been agreed prior to Sam Allardyce’s appointment as England manager.
The switch was put on hold until a replacement was announced but Moyes has since vetoed the deal following discussions with Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain.
Moyes feels the fee and wages earmarked for Richards would be better suited elsewhere, with the Sunderland boss targeting first a new striker.
While he is keen to add defenders to the squad, Richards is unlikely to be a new arrival at the Stadium of Light this summer.
For more stats on Micah Richards, click here to view his WhoScored player page
