Micah Richards' wonderful start to the season could yet provide the
table-topping Blues with the acid test of their new found
ambition.
The teenager's man of the match display against United in the
derby, coupled with his foot perfect start to life as a permanent
central defender, rather than a right-back, has seen his value
rocket.
A year ago anyone wanting to buy him would have had to stump up
£15m but bidding would now start at £25m.
There is no argument that he is the most talented young defender in
the country and there is little doubt either that sooner or later
one of the elite European clubs will decide to test City's resolve
to keep him.
Senior figures within the Blues' dressing room, including skipper
Richard Dunne, have already made it publically clear that City must
realise Richards' expectations of being at a club regularly
competing in Europe.
To be fair the signs are already promising with Thaksin Shinawatra
asking boss Sven-Goran Eriksson to sort out a new deal for the
19-year-old.
Once the transfer window has closed at the end of the month,
Richards can expect to find himself up there with the best paid
players at the club.
