"On yer bike" City

Manchester City have suggested an audacious deal to squash the sell-on clause that currently stands regarding teenage starlet Micah Richards who is likely to move from City in a big money transfer soon. The Latics were wise enough to entitle themselves to a huge slice of any future transfer and the cheeky Manchester City officials have asked if they would consider an up front payment in lieu of a reputed 20% sell-on clause of any future transfer.

With the player currently valued at a minimum of £5 million, Athletic have basically told them to politely "stick-it!" Figures were not mentioned but City had hoped that the current financial position of their lowly neighbours might tempt them to take a cash settlement.

Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are all reported to be showing interest in the 18 year old who's value could rocket if he makes it as an International as is expected. Richards is obviously considering his options as he was quoted on Sky Sports News to be “considering his future”, even though his contract at Eastlands does not expire until 2009.

Athletic's loss for the current year is close to £1million but this one deal could wipe out the whole loss. Athletic were smart to shrug off a quick-fix solution and City should be ashamed of trying to take advantage of Oldham's financial predicament.