West Ham almost signed a former Premier League title winner back in 2016. Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has faded into obscurity during an injury ridden spell with Aston Villa, but could have still been competing in the Premier League if this proposed deal had not been blocked.
According to the Daily Mail, Villa had the chance to get Richards off their books in 2016 when West Ham came knocking for the defender. But then-manager Roberto Di Matteo blocked the move.
After a year spent on loan at Fiorentina, Richards left Manchester City permanently in 2015 when he signed a four-year-deal with Aston Villa.