This week in transfers: Saints, Spurs, Swans, Villa snap up defenders

Aston Villa, 7/2 chances with Coral not to be so lucky in 2015/16 and endure Premier League relegation, head this week’s transfer activity after agreeing to sign ex-England international defender Micah Richards, 26, on a free once his contract with Manchester City ends.

Richards, who can play right full back or centre half, spent last term on loan with Serie A side Fiorentina, but any hopes of a permanent switch there were scuppered by the shock sacking of Viola coach Vincenzo Montella. He has penned a four-year contract with Tim Sherwood’s side.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have taken Burnley’s Kieran Trippier, 24, to White Hart Lane on a five-year deal, and is believed to be costing them in excess of £3.5m. He is another graduate of Man City’s academy. Spurs are 5/1 shots to finish in the top four this coming term.

Sticking with defenders, 12/1 top four chances Southampton have signed Portugal right back Cedric Soares, 23, from Sporting Lisbon for a reported fee of up to £4.7m. Also handed a four-year deal, his arrival on the south coast has resulted in further speculation that Nathaniel Clyne will leave St Mary’s this summer.

Swansea City have concluded a deal to take attacking St-Etienne left back Franck Tabanou to the Liberty Stadium. The fee is believed to be more than £3m, and Garry Monk has given his latest arrival a three-year contract.