Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has described speculation claiming that a deal has already been done to sell Micah Richards to Chelsea as ‘a blatant lie’.
Richards has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea look to solve their defensive problems.
Pearce was responding to reports in the press claiming that Chelsea had lodged a £13million bid for the 18-year-old, who became the youngest defender ever to appear for England during the friendly with Holland two months ago.
Officials from City were swift to deny the reports and Pearce was angry that the speculation would unsettle the player.
“There has been speculation that a deal has been done with another club,’ said Pearce. ‘That is blatant lie.
“The one thing I can say is Micah is fantastically happy at this club. I want to bring players in to add to the quality players we already have.
“The main thing is he doesn’t let his head get turned by what they read in the papers. Sometimes that is difficult for an 18-year-old.”
