Watford have joined the chase for Manchester City outcast Micah Richards - currently on loan at Fiorentina - with a host of Premier League sides also interested in the England international, according to the Daily Express.

The 26-year-old defender joined the Serie A side on a season-long loan deal in August but has struggled to make an impact in Florence, starting just six league fixtures.

Top flight new-boys Bournemouth, as well as Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland, West Ham United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also reportedly tracking Richards.

Richards, became England's youngest defender at the age of just 17 in 2006, but has fallen out of favour at the Etihad Stadium in recent seasons.

Last term the Birmingham-born full-back-cum-centre-back made just two league appearances for the Premier League winners.