Sources: Chris Richards in 'very strong position' amid Crystal Palace contract latest

Richards is out of contract at Palace in summer 2027 and attracting interest from Inter Milan; the defender is in a strong negotiating position with multiple clubs expected to pursue him as a free agent.

Crystal Palace centre-back Chris Richards is in a strong position to shape his own future, with sources indicating the 26-year-old USA international is already attracting interest from Inter Milan ahead of the January window. Richards is out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of the season, and Palace face a difficult situation knowing they cannot command significant transfer value for him on the market.

If Richards runs down his contract and becomes a free agent next summer, he is expected to have interest from several clubs beyond Inter. The defender is likely to explore his options on a free transfer, effectively giving him his pick of interested suitors.

Palace are determined to keep him through the season but acknowledge their chances of tying him down to a new deal are slim. The Eagles face a genuine prospect of potential Premier League relegation, which weakens their hand in contract negotiations.

Richards has been hugely important for Palace over the last 12 months, making 50 appearances last term and playing every minute of the Premier League campaign so far this season. The former Bayern Munich defender would be well-placed to hold out for a lucrative deal, knowing his options will be open in the summer.