Manchester City transfer news: Micah Richards and Matija Nastasic set to leave defending Premier League champions

Manuel Pellegrini continues to trim his squad - reports

Micah Richards admits he is savouring the good times having gone through the bad in 2007 when Manchester City didn't score in eight matches (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City are prepared to sell defenders Micah Richards and Matija Nastasic, according to reports.

The Manchester Evening News report that Manuel Pellegrini is prepared to sell both players as he continues to trim down a bloated squad.

With Eliaquim Mangala and Bacary Sagna both having arrived at the Etihad Nastasic and Richards will find themselves even further down the pecking order than they did last season.

Nastasic, 21, begun the season as first choice alongside Vincent Kompany but eventually played just 13 Premier League games under Pellegrini, with the Chilean preferring Martin Demichelis and Joleon Lescott.

Matija Nastasic is being chased by clubs in Italy (GETTY IMAGES)

Roma and Juventus are said to be leading the chase for the Serbian, who played in Serie A for Fiorentina before arriving at the club. Roma will need a replacement for Mehdi Benatia should the Moroccan's proposed move to Bayern Munich go through.

Richards, 26, was once England's first-choice right-back but injury and loss of form have limited his playing time.

In the last two seasons Richards has played just nine Premier League matches for City and made just 18 appearances in all competitions.

He no longer features in Pellegrini's plans and a number of clubs are looking to secure a deal for the defender, with Newcastle and West Ham the current favourites to land his services.

The pair are surplus to requirements after the arrival of Eliaquim Mangala (pictured) and Bacary Sagna (GETTY IMAGES)

Strikers Stevan Jovetic and Alvaro Negredo are still being linked with moves away from the club. Juventus are said to believed in the Montengrin, while City will listen to big offers for the Spaniard, according to reports.