Source: Daily_Mail
We're not selling Micah Richards to Spurs declares Manchester City boss
Staying at City: Micah Richards is going nowhereRoberto Mancini insists Manchester City defender Micah Richards isstaying at Eastlands, claiming the youngster is an important part ofhis plans. Reports suggest Harry Redknapp is preparing a bid to bring the England international to Tottenham. However, Mancini has revealed he will brush aside any attempts tolure Richards - who has made 14 league appearances this season - awayfrom the Blues. 'How could I afford to lose Micah? We have only four fit defenders at the moment,' he told the club website. 'Anyway, I rate him very highly, he has played for England and has great potential for the future. 'It is important that he stays.' Mancini is also eager to keep Roque Santa Cruz who has been strongly linked with a move to Espanyol. The Paraguay striker has been struggling with a calf injury and isyet to feature under the new City boss but Mancini is hoping to be ableto count on him for Monday night's trip to Blackburn. Mancini added: 'It would be a big game for Rocky as Blackburn are his old club, but we will have to see if he is OK. 'Roque is most important for us, and I do not want to lose him. He was injured for 15 days and we missed him. 'For me, he is important to the team.' MANCHESTER CITY FC: All the latest news from across the webManchester City boss Roberto Mancini says six appeal for Premier League titleBREAKING NEWS: Togo pull out of Africa Cup of Nations after terrorist bus attack in Angola