NEDUM Onuoha insists that his good mate Micah Richards will be staying at Manchester City.

The Blues have repeatedly stated that they have not had any bids from Chelsea for Richards, who has become a hot property at Eastlands after rising from their youth team to the full England side in less than 12 months.

Fellow Academy product Onuoha knows what it is like to be the subject of transfer speculation, having been linked with Liverpool soon after breaking into City's first team in 2005.

But he says that 18-year-old Richards is happy where he is - helping City in their bid to continue climbing the Premiership.

Onuoha said: "It's not annoying at all to read so much speculation about Micah. In fact, it could work in our favour because it takes the pressure off the rest of the team.

"People say the money we could get from selling Micah would help this club no end.

Triple

"But to be honest, no matter what Chelsea or whoever are offering for him, it could double or even triple over the next few years.

"The money isn't what matters, having Micah in the team is what's important. And anyway, Micah is happy here.

"I talk to him about it every now and again, but it can get boring. Micah is only 18 and still has a lot to learn. He is just playing his football, which is exactly the right thing to do."

Another player enjoying his football at City is Paul Dickov, who is not interested in a move to Birmingham, despite reports suggesting he may leave in a exchange deal involving David Dunn.

City have had no contact from Birmingham regarding the evergreen Scot.

However, Kelvin Etuhu has made a temporary exit from City. The teenage striker has joined Rochdale on a month's loan as new boss Keith Hill bids to drag the club away from the League Two relegation scrap.

What do you think? Have your say.