Extremely doubtful he will leave, unless MH wants him to go. Talk of a new RB has gone quiet (Maicon) and Richards IS the kind of player who will be desperate to play alongside Tevez, Adebayor + others come kick off, especially with a place in South Africa up for grabs (hopefully at Gray Chuckle's expense). He's had alcohol poisoning / swine flu so that's why his pre-season training has been delayed. Don't forget a little over a year ago he was first choice RB for England ahead of Glen Johnson.
Very pleased to see most posters on here agree. He's 20yo and still learning - positionally he can be lacking at times, but that can be taught (esp. if JT was the tutor!) and he has the kind of talent that you don't turn your back on easily.