Micah Richards has urged Manchester City to sign former Chelsea striker Diego Costa to strengthen their bid to reclaim the Premier League title.

Costa, 32, is currently a free agent after his contract with Atletico Madrid was terminated at the end of December.

The Spaniard fired Chelsea to two Premier League titles with 52 goals in 89 top-flight games during a three-and-a-half year stay at Stamford Bridge.

Former England defender Richards can think of no better destination for the veteran hitman than City, where he could collect another Premier League winners’ medal.

“Manchester City are already on a ridiculously good run of form but if they signed Diego Costa now, he would win them the Premier League – I am sure of it,” Richards told BBC Sport .

“Costa is 32 and I am not suggesting he is a long-term solution for City up front, but the former Chelsea striker is a free agent after ending his Atletico Madrid contract in December, and can sign for anyone for nothing.

“Why not get him in until the end of the season? He would do more than just ruffle a few feathers and be a pain in the backside for opposition defences – he is a proven finisher who would offer Pep Guardiola’s side a proper plan B.”