White Hart Lane boss Harry Redknapp failed in his attempts to lure the defender to north London last summer. But the Spurs chief will resurrect his interest after being encouraged that Richards is open to leaving Eastlands at the end of the season.
On the move: Tottenham are interested in City defender Richards (left)
Sportsmail understands that Richards' advisors have alerted a number of Barclays Premier League clubs - including Tottenham - to the player's potential availability in the summer.
Richards has played regularly for City this season - featuring in 20 of their 41 games. But his long-term future is unclear with manager Roberto Mancini looking at Barcelona star Dani Alves and Ajax full-back Gregory van der Wiel as potential replacements for Richards.
Redknapp is likely to be in the market for a new right-back in the summer with doubts persisting over Alan Hutton and Vedran Corluka's suitability as the club's long-term solution in the position.
On target: Richards (far left) scored in the rout over Notts County at Eastlands
Spurs are also monitoring ?10m-rated Napoli right-back Christian Maggio , 29, who has seven Italian caps.
Kyle Walker will return from a loan spell at Aston Villa for the start of next season as he looks to stake his claim at right-back - but Redknapp would prefer more experience in his back-four.
Meanwhile, Tottenham centre-back Younes Kaboul is target for French club Paris Saint Germain.
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Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail