Transfer gossip (Tues, Aug 23): Tigers go for Villa defender | Boro striker wanted by Canaries | Millers chase Toon forward

HULL CITY have enquired about signing Aston Villa defender Micah Richards.

The Tigers are interested in bringing in the Leeds-raised former England player, 28, capped 13 times by his country, to boost their meagre squad.

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Richards is believed to have a £5m release clause in his Villa contract with the player behind Tommy Elphick, ex-Tigers centre-half James Chester and Nathan Baker in the pecking order at Villa Park.

The 28-year-old has three years remaining on the four-year contract he signed last summer.

Richards endured a difficult campaign last year as he was unable to prevent the Villans conceding 76 Premier League goals, and subsequently being relegated for the first time since 1986-87.

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Richards joined Villa on a free transfer from Manchester City in 2015 and the defender played in 28 matches last season, predominantly at centre-back.

Norwich City are interested in signing Middlesbrough striker Jordan Rhodes, with Wolves also keen on the frontman.

The Canaries are looking to sign a forward before the transfer deadline in eight days’ time, with ex-Huddersfield and Blackburn forward Rhodes fitting the bill.

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Rhodes joined Boro for £9m in January and ended last season with five goals in eight matches.

He was an unused substitute in the Premier League curtain-raiser with Stoke and was not named in the Boro squad for Sunday’s Wear-Tees derby victory over Sunderland.

The attacker has a prolific record at second-tier level, having fired 91 goals from 189 Championship appearances, while managing 70 in 122 League One matches.

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Rotherham United will have to beat off stiff interest to land striking target Adam Armstrong.

Armstrong’s parent club, Newcastle United, are willing to let the 19-year-old leave on loan to further aid his development, with the Millers being one of several clubs interested.