Micah Richards

MICAH Richards is reportedly holding out for £75,000 a week before he ties his future to Manchester City.

Still, the Blues remain confident the England international will commit himself to a £50,000 a week deal in the coming weeks.

Until then his future will remain the subject of intense speculation with reports on Sunday claiming he is demanding a mega money deal that would make him far and away City's highest earner.

The 19-year-old has been in discussions over a new deal for the past few months – but has yet to reach agreement with the club.

He turned down a £45,000 a week double-your-money offer in November, but City are ready to improve that this week in a bid to fend off interest from a number of clubs waiting in the wings.

Kevin Keegan is a known admirer and has made Richards one of his top targets as he rebuilds Newcastle.

Chelsea also have a long-standing interest in the player and will be monitoring his situation closely.

But City will not be panicking yet with Richards still having another two and half years to run on his current contract.

Still Sven-Goran Eriksson is keen to tie him to a long-term deal as soon as possible after seeing his sensational rise to prominence this season.