Sunderland hope to re-sign former England international

Sunderland are reportedly considering a move to re-sign former England international Kieran Richardson.

After conceding seven goals in their opening two league games, the Black Cats are desperate to bolster their defensive ranks ahead of the close of the transfer window on September 1.

The 30-year-old, who spent five years at the Stadium of Light between 2007 and 2012, failed to score in 26 appearances in all competitions for Tim Sherwood’s Villans last season.

After Villa brought in Jordan Amavi from Nice earlier this summer, Richardson has seemingly lost his place in Sherwood’s first-team squad and could be allowed to leave the club within a fortnight.

It is thought that the former Manchester United defender, who earned eight international caps for England, could be available for around as little as £2m as Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat bids to strengthen his leaky defence.