Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has branded speculation that a deal has been done to sell Micah Richards to Chelsea as "a blatant lie".

Richards is believed to be at the top of Jose Mourinho's hit-list as the Chelsea manager looks to solve the champions' much-publicised defensive problems.

"There has been speculation that a deal has been done with another club," said Pearce. "That is blatant lie. The one thing I can say is Micah is fantastically happy at this club. I want to bring players in to add to the quality players we already have."