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.
Since leaving La Liga-leaders Atletico, Costa has been linked with a return to England and he is believed to have numerous suitors.
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.
"Yes, you would have to cover Costa's wages, but the massive difference he could make to City's season would make that worthwhile."
Richards also backed Costa to bring an "extra dimension" to City's attacks, just as Edinson Cavani has at Manchester United since joining last summer.
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He added: "If you want an example of the impact Costa could have, then look at what Edinson Cavani has done for Manchester United this season.
"Cavani is 33 and very different to the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood, but he brings them an extra dimension in attack that has already given them an edge at key moments in tight games.
"The way the Uruguay striker won a free-kick for Bruno Fernandes to score United's winner in Sunday's FA Cup win over Liverpool was a great example of that.
"He is so clever with his movement, and how he occupies defenders. That means more space for others, and Costa would have the same effect."
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