Aston Villa rule out Micah Richards move to Sunderland

Sam Allardyce is in the market for a right-back in the final hours of the transfer window, as the Black Cats look to add to the five signings who have already arrived at the Stadium of Light.

Reports this morning suggested that Richards - who was a target for Sunderland in the summer of 2014 - could be a possible option for Allardyce.

However, at his press conference today, Garde was adamant that Richards will be staying at Villa Park.

"We have got a small squad and Micah is a player who will play for sure for the rest of the season," said Garde.

"No chance for me to allow players like that to leave."

Sunderland have also considered a loan move for Arsenal right-back Mathieu Debuchy, although there have been reports that the ex-Newcastle United man could be a target for Manchester United.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was vague on Debuchy's situation today, with the French international's wages thought to be a key factor in deciding his future.

"Debuchy could go, but at the moment it doesn't look like it," said Wenger.