2Slick

Manchester City are hoping to head off Chelsea's interest in Micah Richards beyond the transfer window but have reluctantly accepted that the defender will leave at some point this year. Richards does not intend to force the issue but it has become apparent that he wants to move to Stamford Bridge and his transfer now seems to be only a question of timing and finance.

City, however, increasingly frustrated by growing speculation of an imminent deal, have reacted aggressively to the latest round of newspaper stories, with the manager, Stuart Pearce, describing as "lies" reports that there has been contact from Chelsea. Threats were also made to report one tabloid to the Press Complaints Commission.

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