Sunderland have missed out on the signing of Micah Richards after the Manchester City defender opted to pen a four-year deal with Aston Villa.

The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Fiorentina and the Black Cats were among the clubs showing an interest in the player ahead of his contract expiring at the Etihad Stadium.

As well as Dick Advocaat’s men, Liverpool and Newcastle were also in the hunt to sign the England defender but Villa have won the race for his signature.

Villa boss Tim Sherwood is delighted to have secured the service of Richards, who will officially join the Midlands side on July 1 when his contract at City has expired.

“I’m really pleased to get Micah on board and I’m sure he will prove to be an excellent signing for the football club,” Sherwood revealed after the deal was announced.

Sunderland will now look elsewhere and are believed to be keen on signing Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates on a permanent basis after he impressed while on loan last season.

Liverpool are demanding £4million for Coates and Sunderland look prepared to match it as they look to build a side that will keep well clear of the relegation places in the new campaign.

Sunderland are priced at 2.88 to be relegated.

The Black Cats will kick off the new Barclays Premier League season away at Leicester and are priced at 3.25 to begin with a win.

Leicester are 2.20 with the draw 3.30.