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Micah Richards says Aston Villa team-mate Fabian Delph has asked him for his thoughts about Manchester City after being linked with a move to the club.

Richards, 27, moved to Villa from City having struggled for first-team football and after spending last season on loan at Fiorentina.

"Every player wants to play at the highest level," said Richards.

"If he's going to be playing Champions League, I don't know, but if he's going there to be a squad player, then no."

Delph's England international colleague James Milner left City this summer for Liverpool in search of more first-team football.

Richards believes Villa captain Delph, 25, has to consider the impact of any move on his international prospects, with the European Championships taking place next summer in France.

"James Milner has played six or seven positions and still wanted to leave," said Richards.

"So if he gets assurances he's going to play then the decision is his. I wouldn't say don't go to Manchester City, because if he's playing well he could play.

"It's just being given that chance. If he [City manager Manuel Pellegrini] is going to give him the chance to play then it's hard to turn down the chance of playing Champions League football.

"To be fair he has asked me what I think about the situation. I told him I can't comment to be honest.

"I don't want to say go there and then he [Pellegrini] doesn't play him - he'll be ringing me up afterwards!"